No Mass Killings of Christians in Nigeria – Keyamo Replies Trump

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has dismissed claims by U.S. President Donald Trump alleging that Christians are being targeted and killed in Nigeria.

In an open letter posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, Keyamo said Trump’s comments did not reflect the realities in Nigeria and urged the U.S. leader to seek balanced information on the country before drawing conclusions.

“It is simply not true that Christians are being specifically targeted in Nigeria for persecution, killings, or harassment on account of their faith,” Keyamo wrote.

The minister, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former human rights lawyer, described Trump’s comments as misleading and harmful to Nigeria’s image.

Keyamo, who said he was born and raised a Christian, noted that he had devoted much of his life to human rights advocacy and was a recipient of the Global Human Rights Award from the United States Global Leadership Council in 2017.

“It would have been unconscionable for me to serve in any government that targets Christians,” he said.

Keyamo clarified that the violence in parts of the country was not religiously motivated but driven by terrorism, banditry, and long-standing communal conflicts.

“Nigeria, like many nations, has faced violence from extremist and criminal groups such as Boko Haram, armed herdsmen, and cattle rustlers,” he explained.

He added that these challenges predated the current administration and had affected citizens of all faiths.

“The insecurity experienced in some regions has affected adherents of all faiths, and the government has never shielded one group at the expense of another,” the minister stressed.

Keyamo pointed out that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, despite being a Muslim, has consistently demonstrated tolerance and inclusivity, noting that his wife is a pastor in a major Pentecostal church, while several of his children are practising Christians.

He also highlighted that many of the nation’s service chiefs appointed by the President are Christians, which, he said, further proves that the government does not discriminate along religious lines.

“It would be illogical to claim that such a government, led by a moderate leader with strong Christian ties, is complicit in faith-based killings,” Keyamo added.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s secular status, the minister said the nation’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and prohibits the adoption of a state religion.

“Nigeria is a secular state. Our Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and prohibits the adoption of a state religion,” he said.

Keyamo added that even opposition leaders and civil society organisations, known for holding government accountable, have not made claims of systematic attacks against Christians.

In his letter, the minister appealed to the United States to strengthen its partnership with Nigeria in tackling terrorism and insurgency rather than rely on what he described as “inaccurate external narratives.”

“The Nigerian people ask for sincere understanding, cooperation, and open dialogue with your government. We ask that you broaden your sources of information to gain a balanced view of events in Nigeria,” he wrote.

He concluded by reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to peace, unity, and religious harmony, signing off as Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK).