The Publicity Secretary of the Middle Belt Forum, Dr. Stanley Kavwam, has urged President Bola Tinubu to move beyond rhetoric and take decisive action to end the incessant killings across Nigeria, warning that the country risks deeper diplomatic isolation following former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern.”
In an interview with ARISE News on Saturday, Dr. Kavwam said Trump’s statement was a wake-up call that reflected the scale of atrocities committed against defenceless Nigerians, particularly in the Middle Belt region.
“This is the second time the President of the United States has designated Nigeria a country of particular concern,” he said. “What baffles me is that we appear as a nation to be so delusional about issues that are crystal clear. The unrestrained scale of violence across the Middle Belt, Southwest, and Southeast, and the mass killings are well-documented.”
He criticised successive Nigerian governments for failing to identify and prosecute those financing terrorism.
“Goodluck Jonathan admitted there were sponsors of terror in his government, yet no one has been named or prosecuted,” he said. “Religion should never be a basis for annihilation or targeted attacks. Everyone has the right to worship freely under our Constitution.”
Kavwam recounted numerous attacks on Christian communities, including the massacre of over 500 people in Dogo Nahau, Plateau State, and recent killings in Benue.
“The evidence is clear,” he said. “Between 2020 and 2025, the scale of violence has tripled. When you look at the number of Christians killed globally, about 3,000 are from Nigeria alone.”
Responding to concerns of bias in Trump’s statement, Kavwam insisted that the Nigerian situation was unique and well-documented.
“The dynamics of the Nigerian state are peculiar. Boko Haram itself declared it is on a religious war. Wherever Muslims are attacked, it is usually because they are seen as moderate or providing information to security agencies,” he said.
He added that the Middle Belt had suffered years of targeted genocide, with over 15,000 deaths documented and submitted to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Kavwam acknowledged that Muslims and security operatives have also been victims but stressed that Christians have been forced to “bark” to draw attention to their plight.
“If my house is on fire, it’s my duty to call for help. Christians have been crying and shouting. For Muslims being killed in the North, it’s up to them to also make their case,” he said.
On President Tinubu’s response that Nigeria protects all faiths, Kavwam said the government must back its words with action.
“We must go beyond lip service,” he insisted. “It’s embarrassing that someone from millions of miles away has to remind us that human beings are being massacred in our own country. America knows everything happening here — it’s like seeing someone wearing glasses; you don’t need proof.”
Explaining the implications of Trump’s designation, he warned that the US may escalate measures if Nigeria fails to act.
“The first stage brings diplomatic pressure to end violations,” he said. “If the killings continue, Nigeria could lose access to US aid, military equipment, and eventually diplomatic collaboration. Continued genocide could even land us on America’s special watch list.”
Kavwam urged the Nigerian government to treat the warning as an opportunity to restore security and global credibility.
“This is not just about international image,” he said. “It’s about the sanctity of human life and the survival of Nigeria as a just and peaceful nation.”
Boluwatife Enome
About the Author
