The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and Abuja has urged Nigerians not to spin former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remarks into a cause for religious tension. Instead, the association wants the comments treated as a prompt for unity and concrete action to end killings tied to religion or any other identity.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, CAN chairman Rev. John Joseph Hayab said the statement should be “an opportunity for peace-loving Christians and Muslims to unite and demand concrete action by our government to stop the killing of anybody because of religion or any form of identity.” He urged citizens to rise above outrage and use the moment to promote understanding and national healing.
Hayab urged Nigerians to read Trump’s words with an open mind, saying they reflect concern rather than condemnation. “If you choose to read President Trump’s statement with an open mind, you will simply hear the voice of a visitor who cares about you and wants you to do something serious to enjoy peace and unity in your country,” he said.
The CAN chairman warned against efforts to exploit the remarks for political or sectarian ends. “We should disregard those who are manipulating and twisting what was said to instigate us against one another to divide us further,” he cautioned.
Questioning motives of critics who depict the comment as hostile, Hayab noted that Trump had said his military would target terrorists, not Nigerians. “He said if nothing is done, his military will come after the terrorists, not after Nigerians — or are some of us admitting that they are part of the terrorists?” he asked.
Hayab emphasised that the country’s urgent need is security and freedom to practise faith without fear. “What we want is freedom for all to practice our faith, whether we are Christians, Muslims, or free thinkers,” he said, calling on religious and political leaders to treat the episode as a test of maturity and a chance to rebuild trust between faith communities.
He concluded that Trump’s comment should challenge Nigerians to demonstrate that unity, not division, defines the nation.
