Nigerian Christians Face Islamist Terrorist Violence Amid Media Downplay

President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a "Country of Particular Concern" due to the persecution of Christians and threatened possible U.S. military intervention if Nigeria fails to protect them. Bishop Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe of Makurdi denounced claims attributing the violence to climate change, emphasizing the targeted genocide by Islamist Fulani terrorists against Christians. However, the Yoruba Council Worldwide stated that killings in Nigeria affect all faiths, not exclusively Christians, and called for justice against all perpetrators. Mainstream U.S. media outlets like ABC and NBC have been criticized for downplaying the religious aspect of the violence, instead portraying it as broadly affecting Nigerians regardless of religion. Nigerian Pastor Wale Adefarasin described the U.S. claims of genocide as exaggerated, questioning Western motives and suggesting the concern might be tied to Nigeria's economic and strategic resources. These perspectives highlight the complex and contested narratives surrounding the violence in Nigeria and the international response to it.