Trump lied about Christian killings in Nigeria – Falana

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has accused U.S. President Donald Trump of deliberately misrepresenting the security crisis in Nigeria, following Trump’s recent claim that thousands of Christians are being systematically killed in the country.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Falana described Trump’s assertion of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria as a fabrication unsupported by facts, arguing that the pattern of violence across the nation is rooted in criminal activity and competition for resources rather than religion.

“Mr Trump’s allegation is baseless and misleading,” Falana said.

“When you analyse what is happening across Nigeria, those responsible for killings, whether terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, or armed robbers, are driven largely by greed and criminal motives. They target anyone, regardless of faith, often in pursuit of ransom or control over resources,” he added.

He explained that in states such as Benue and Plateau, persistent clashes are linked to land ownership and grazing disputes, not religious persecution.

“Many of these attacks stem from struggles for land or the need to feed livestock,” he noted.

Falana also urged the Federal Government not to overreact to Trump’s recent remarks threatening possible U.S. military action against Nigeria.

Instead, he advised the authorities to reassess domestic security strategies and address policy failures that have worsened the country’s insecurity.

“Rather than getting worked up over Trump’s threats, the government should focus on identifying and correcting its internal lapses,” he said.

The Senior Advocate further suggested that Trump’s comments were politically motivated, arguing that the American leader’s rhetoric fits a broader pattern of hostility toward Africa.

“Trump has a long record of contempt for the African continent,” Falana remarked, adding that “This issue goes beyond Nigeria, it’s part of a global power game. Those pushing this narrative also want to curtail China’s influence in Africa. We need to view it from that geopolitical perspective.”

Falana’s remarks come amid growing diplomatic tension between Abuja and Washington, after President Trump reportedly ordered preparations for potential military intervention in Nigeria over what he called the “mass killing of Christians.”