… urges FG to protect every Nigerian
The Head of The Church of the Lord (Aladura) Worldwide and President of the World Council of Churches (WCC) for Africa, Primate Rufus Ositelu, has dismissed widespread misconceptions surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks about assisting Nigeria in the fight against terrorism.
Speaking on Saturday during the centenary world press conference to herald the church’s 100th anniversary celebration, at the Aladura Comprehensive High School, Anthony Village, Lagos, Ositelu said Trump’s comments, widely interpreted as a threat or intention to launch military action against Nigeria, were both misunderstood and exaggerated.
He joined other Christian leaders in insisting that the scale, pattern, and intent of ongoing killings in parts of Northern Nigeria meet the global definition of genocide, and can no longer be dismissed or downplayed by authorities.
“Trump was not talking about invading Nigeria. He was offering support to eliminate terrorist cells. The U.S. doesn’t need to enter Nigeria physically to do that,” Ositelu clarified.
According to him, Trump’s statement reflected a willingness to help Nigeria confront extremist groups that have destabilised significant portions of the North. He noted that the U.S. possesses the technological and military capability to operate from neighbouring countries without violating Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
Ositelu said the fixation on Trump’s comments had distracted attention from the real danger, the relentless attacks on Christian communities in Northern Nigeria, which he said clearly meet the criteria for genocide. He stressed that the killings persist despite repeated warnings from religious bodies.
“The real issue is the genocidal attacks happening in Northern Nigeria. Instead of debating Trump’s intentions, the government should focus on ending the killings,” he stated.
He acknowledged that while Muslims have also suffered from extremist violence, Christians are deliberately targeted because of their identity, making the situation unmistakably genocidal.
The cleric further expressed concern that Nigeria’s security agencies remain compromised, with intelligence leaks repeatedly sabotaging military operations. According to him, this internal vulnerability, rather than external commentary, continues to embolden extremist groups.
While urging the Federal Government to respond with courage, clarity, and renewed commitment, he also advised Nigerians not to misinterpret offers of international assistance.
He said, “Genocide is the intentional destruction or killing of people because of their identity. When Christians are being specifically targeted because they are Christians, it meets that definition.
“Nigeria needs partners, not panic. We must see clearly, act boldly, and protect every Nigerian, regardless of religion.”
He added that Nigeria must rise above ethnic and religious divisions and rediscover the values of love, justice, and unity.
The Chairman of the Centenary Committee, Archbishop David Fabusoro, outlined activities for the 100-year celebration with the theme theme, “Manifestation Glory,” saying, the programme began with the world press conference and will feature the arrival of global delegates on November 17; TCL International Executive Council meeting on November 18; Centenary Anniversary on November 19; Anniversary Lecture and Book Launch on November 20; Victory Night and Variety Night on November 21; sightseeing to the church’s source; and a grand finale Thanksgiving Service on November 24.
Primate Ositelu revealed that the Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Dr Sunday Ola Makinde, will deliver the centenary sermon, with Senator Gbenga Daniel and other dignitaries expected to grace the event.
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