U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to return Nigeria to the Country of Particular Concern (CPC) list has stirred excitement among many who have long called for international action to protect Christians facing violent attacks. Trump warned that the U.S. could cut aid and may even take action if the killings continue. Nigeria was first placed on the CPC list in 2020 under Trump, but the Biden administration removed it in 2021. Fr. Moses Iorapuu who is Director of Communications and parish priest at Holy Ghost parish in Makurdi, Nigeria, where he is also editor of the diocesan Catholic Star newspaper, welcomed the move, calling Trump “a Moses” sent to rescue persecuted Christians, saying many believers felt abandoned after recent Vatican discussions. However, Bishop Matthew Kukah disagreed, saying the move could slow efforts toward peaceful coexistence among Nigerians. The Vatican also argued that Nigeria’s crisis is driven more by social and economic issues than religion. The Director of the International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law, Intersociety, Emeka Umeagbalasi described the reaction as “World Cup-level joy,” saying the decision offers hope not only to Christians, but also to moderate Muslims and traditional worshippers. He warned that a major religious breakdown in a country of 238 million people would have severe global consequences. This move has sparked hope for change and has clearly placed pressure on Nigerian leaders, at least Trump’s statement has put them on their toes. But while some Nigerians are cheering “finally!”, others are saying otherwise. The country is split in two. I just hope this leads to real change and not another moment of noise with no result.
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