Trump Says Nigeria’s First Lady Is “A Woman Of Significance Influence & Faith”

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February 6, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

In a moment that must have surprised not a few Nigerians, President Donald Trump of the United States of America has publicly recognised Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as a woman of significant influence and faith. He, also, acknowledged her spiritual role in Nigeria.

Considering how much in contempt Trump holds Nigeria, calling it a ‘disgraced country’, and taking very negative actions against its citizens, including Visa restrictions, it came as a huge surprise that Trump paid attention to the presence of the First Lady.

The recognition took place on Thursday during the tradition annual National Prayer Breakfast. It is

a long-standing tradition in the U.S. capital, Washington and brings together political and religious leaders.

As the event progressed, and it was the turn of Trump to talk, the President paused in the middle of his address, and took a special note of Nigeria’s First Lady.

He said: “We’re honored to be joined today by the First Lady of Nigeria, who also happens to serve as a Christian Pastor at the largest church in Nigeria. A very respected woman. First Lady, please, where are you? Thank you very much. It’s a great honor. Thank you very much. Very respected person, too.”

Trump then searched the crowd and acknowledged her presence.

This heart-warming recognition, thanks to the First Lady’s soft diplomacy, comes at a time Nigeria has been classified by the US as a Country of special interest where, the Country insists, Christian genocide is going on.

Instructively, Tinubu, a Muslim, is married to Oluremi, a Christian and a Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. The President has always said that with a Christian Pastor-wife and children who are mostly Christians, he couldn’t quite preside over a country where Christians are being deliberately persecuted. The killings in Nigeria, which are carried out by bandits and terrorists, the President has argued, cuts across religions – Islam, Christianity and even those who do not believe in any of the two main religions.

Oyo: FUNATO Directs Pioneer Students To Resume

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James Orji

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February 6, 2026

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The Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho, FUNATO, in Kajola Local Government, Oyo State, has directed its pioneer students to resume on Friday, March 6, 2026.

This announcement follows the university’s inaugural statutory Senate meeting, which was held on Wednesday, February 4, 2025, at which the academic roadmap for the institution’s first-ever cohort of students was ratified.

In a statement released on Friday by the Registrar and Secretary to the University Senate, Amuni Mohammed Olayinka, the university confirmed that the Senate’s decision was informed by comprehensive reports on the institution’s readiness for its historic takeoff.

In the statement, Olayinka said, “The University Senate, at its 1st (Inaugural) Statutory meeting, received reports from the University Management and Committee of Deans and Directors on the preparedness of the university towards students’ resumption. / 1:01

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“Sequel to the consideration of these reports, the Senate took far-reaching decisions to ensure a smooth resumption and the wellness of students.

“The approved 2025/2026 academic calendar outlines a fast-paced schedule designed to establish the university’s footing within the national academic cycle. Following the March 6 resumption, registration will take place through March 10, followed by an intensive orientation period from March 11 to March 19.”

Formal academic activities will commence shortly after.

“First semester lectures are scheduled to begin on Monday, March 23, 2026,” the Registrar noted, adding that the session’s landmark matriculation ceremony will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

The first semester is expected to conclude with examinations in July, followed by a brief break before the second semester kicks off on August 3, 2026. The university aims to wrap up the entire session by November 30, 2026, with the subsequent 2026/2027 session tentatively set to begin on December 14.

Addressing concerns regarding student housing in the developing host community, the university management revealed a strategic Public-Private Partnership model to secure decent living conditions for the pioneer students.

“The University has taken steps to provide hostel accommodation for students through public/private partnership arrangements. The University will provide hostel accommodation within the communities around the University… at reasonable rent rates, properly regulated and secured by the University,” the statement read.

The Registrar further clarified that matriculation numbers would soon be allocated to all applicants who have already fulfilled their acceptance fee obligations. This will enable students to proceed with the payment of school fees and official registration.

“Candidates who are interested in pursuing their choice programmes in FUNATO still have the opportunity to apply, as the JAMB portal is still very open for the change of their university of choice,” Olayinka advised.

The Punch

Kwara Massacre: Tinubu Vows To Hunt Down Terrorists

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James Orji

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February 6, 2026

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured that his administration, will bring to justice, suspected terrorists who massacred some persons, in Worro, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The president made the remark in a statement he personally signed on Thursday, and made available to journalists, in Abuja, the nation’s capital shortly after he met with the governor of the state, Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq in Aso Villa, Nigerian Presidency.

The terrorists “will not go scot-free” the president vowed in the statement, barely 24 hours after he ordered the Chief of Army Staff, COAS to deploy a Battalion of soldiers t the state to flush out the terrorists.

The magazine had earlier reported that suspected Boko Haram terrorists had attacked the community on Wednesday, killing at least 75 persons, according to the state government figures, even though independent sources claimed that the casualties have since risen to over 100 persons killed.

President Tinubu, condemned the massacre, saying whoever is responsible will have no place to hide, as they will be hunted and brought to justice, the same way that other terrorists have neutralisd in the past after commiiting crimes against the country.

Below, the president’s full statement;

“Today, I met with the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq @RealAARahman, to be debriefed on the incident in Kaiama LGA.

“I condemn in the strongest terms this cowardly and beastly attack. The gunmen are heartless for choosing soft targets in their doomed campaign of terror. Their actions offend our humanity, our faith, and our shared values as a nation.

“Yesterday, I directed the immediate deployment of an army battalion to Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State following the horrific attack on innocent villagers in Worro. This new military command will spearhead Operation Savannah Shield to checkmate these barbaric terrorists and protect defenceless communities.

“It is particularly disturbing that the victims were killed because they rejected an attempt at forced indoctrination. As I said, “It is commendable that the community members, even though Muslims, refused to be conscripted into a weird belief that promoted violence over peace and dialogue.” Nigeria will never surrender its people to extremism and terrorism masquerading as faith.

“I have further directed close collaboration between federal and state agencies to provide immediate support and relief to the affected community and to ensure that those responsible for this atrocity are pursued and brought to justice, just like other terrorists before them. They will not go scot-free.

“I pray for the repose of the souls of the departed and extend my deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones. I also sympathise with the people and government of Kwara State. The Federal Government stands with you. We will protect our communities, defend our values, and defeat those who seek to divide us through terror.”

Electronic Transmission of Election Results: NASS Playing With ‘Fire’

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James Orji

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February 6, 2026

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Former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, has condemned the National Assembly, saying they betrayed Nigerians concerning the amendment of the Electoral Act.

The former Minister and Vice President of the World Bank, said the Nigerian Senate and House of Representative fell short of the expectations and betrayed Nigerians as their action undermines electoral reforms in the country.

Ezekwesili also warned the NASS to stop playing with fire, as she accused the lawmakers in both chambers of pursuing personal interests as the amendment was not done in the interest of Nigerians.

For instance, not a few Nigerians have slammed the lawmakers following reports that the clause requiring electronic transmission of elections results, as being demanded by Nigerians, was not included in the current amendment of the Electoral Act passed by the Senate and House of Representatives.

Following the report, the Senate President Godswill Akpabio, denied it, saying the clause has been retained in the amended Act, waiting for the president’s assent.

Also, Some senators, on Thursday in Abuja, the nation’s capital addressed some journalists on the issue, saying all the senators agreed that the clause must be retained. Senator Eyinanya Abaribe, representing Abia led other senators, including Senators Natasha Akpoti-Udughan, Aminu Tambuwal, and other to the briefing, saying the clause has been retained.

Reacting, Ezekwesili urged the Nigerian Senate and the House of Representatives, to stop playing with ‘fire’ saying any attempt to stop election results from being transmitted electronically will create a “loophole’ for election rigging and manipulation.

She said Nigerians now consider the Nigerian Senate as an “ignoble’ institution that has lost public trust, noting that their decision not to retain Section 60 of the Electoral Act 2022, specifically subsection (5) which requires electronic transfer of election results by Electoral Officers is self serving.

She stressed that by failing to legalise real-time electronic upload of election results, NASS has wittingly left the mode of transmitting election results to the discretion of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, thereby creating an ambiguity in the nation’s electoral laws.

The lawmakers’ action, she stated, fell short of the expectations of many well meaning Nigerians who have expect them to do better.

“The wisest and free advice that the Nigerian Senate as well as the House of Representatives can receive from all well-meaning citizens of our country now is to know when to stop playing with fire,” Ezekwesili said, adding that the Senate has been very consistent in disappointing Nigerians.

“Nigerians mostly see the Senate as an ignoble and withering institution that delights in deliberate betrayal of public trust. “Our lawmakers at large are well known for consistently prioritising personal and partisan interests over constituent welfare.”

Senate Denies The Report

According to the Senate, the report that it rejected the electronic transmission of election results during consideration of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, is untrue.

Senator Akpabio insisted that the report was misleading, stressing that the Senate did not remove electronic transmission from the law.

Akpabio: “Distinguished colleagues, the social media is already awash with reports that the Senate has literally rejected electronic transmission of results. That is not true. What we did was to retain the electronic transmission which has been in the act and was used in 2022.

“So please, do not allow people to confuse you. If you are in doubt, we will make our final votes and proceedings available to you if you apply.

“This Senate under my watch has not rejected the electronic transmission of results. It is in my interest as a participant in the next election for such to be done. So please don’t go with the crowd.

“We have retained what was in the previous provision by way of amendment. That was all we did. The previous provision has made allowance for electronic transmission. So it is still there as part of our law. We cannot afford to be going backwards” Akpabio said.

Gumi: I Cannot Be Arrested By US Troops In Nigeria

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James Orji

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February 6, 2026

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Controversial Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmed Gumi has rebuffed claims that he has been arrested by the United States, US Forces in Nigeria. Gumi said the US forces have no power to arrest in the country, dismissing social media reports that he has been taken into custody by the American forces.

Gumi’s remark comes on the heels of a viral video on the social media, claiming that the US forces who arrived, few days ago, into the country have arrested the Kaduna-based iIlamic cleric, over the belief that he has links with terrorists in the country.

The magazine reports that the US government had earlier in the week , announced that it has sent troops to Nigeria, to assist in counter-terrorism efforts, saying existing collaboration between Nigeria and US governments have not really tackled the problem.

Not a few Nigerians have welcome the US decision to send troops to the country to help in tackling insecurity in the country, particularly, insurgency and banditry ravaging many states in northern Nigeria, and are now spreading southwards.

Some Nigerians have also called for the arrest of Sheik Gumi, and others who they believed are collaborators with some of the non-state actors taking up arms against the country.

So, when the report that the cleric has been arrested filtered into the social media, not a few people in the country welcome it, and gave a sigh of relief.

Reacting to the report, Gumi, said he has not been taken into custody by American soldiers in the country, claiming that they have no power to do so.

“The US Army cannot arrest me in Nigeria, why will the US army come and arrest me in Nigeria, for what reason?” the Islamic cleric said.

Announcing the deployment of a small contingent of military officers to Nigeria, General Dagvin R.M. Anderson of US Africa Command said during a briefing on Tuesday, that the deployment was part of the agreement with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in Rome, Italy last year, pointing out that more needed to be done to counter“the terrorist threat in West Africa.”

“That has led to increased collaboration between our nations, to include a small US team that brings some unique capabilities from the United States in order to augment what Nigeria has been doing for several years,” Gen. Anderson said.

Killing Of 21 Enugu Coal Miners: Court Awards £420m Against British Govt.

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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February 5, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In a rare judicial pronouncement, an Enugu State High Court, sitting in Enugu, the State capital, on Thursday, February 5, 2026, ordered the British Government to pay the sum of £20million pounds each to families of the 21 protesting Enugu miners killed in 1949 by agents of the British Colonial Administration in Nigeria.

The Source reports that the 21 protesting miners were, on November 18, 1949, at the Iva Valley Coal mine, Enugu, shot and killed by the representatives of the British Colonial Administration in the Eastern Region during a peaceful protest.

About 51 other miners, said to be protesting against excruciating working conditions, racially induced wage disparity, unpaid back wages, as well as a demand for an improved welfare packages, were also injured during the incident.

Ruling on a motion on notice filed on behalf of the victims and their families by a human rights activist, Mazi Greg Onoh, trial Judge, Honourable Justice Anthony Onovo, held that the 1949 killings of the protesting miners was unlawful, and represent a serious case of the violation of the right to life of the victims.

Listed as respondents in the suit were the British Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, British Government and Federal Government of Nigeria as 1st, 2nd and 3rd respondents, while the Attorney General and Minister of Justice of Nigeria and the Head of the Commonwealth, Government of the United Kingdom were listed as 4th and 5th respondents respectively.

Justice Onovo ordered the British Government to pay each and every of the 21 miners the sum of £20 million as general compensation, alongside a formal apology.

He held that the British Government, as a matter of fact must take responsibility and offer reparations to the families of the murdered 21 coal miners over the unfortunate incident.

“The defenceless coal miners were only asking for improved working conditions; they were not embarking on any violent action against the authorities, yet they were shot and killed.

“The 1st, 2nd, 5th and 6th respondents should pay £20 million per victim, totaling £420 million, payable by the British Government as effective remedy and compensation for the violations of the the victims’ right to life.

“They will also pay post-judgment interest at 10 percent annum until fully paid while claims for pre-judgment interest and examplary damages is hereby refused” Justice Onovo ruled.

The trial Judge directed that the written apologies to the families of the victims should be specifically published in Nigeria’s Daily Sun, Independent and The Punch Newspapers, in addition to three leading national newspapers in the United Kingdom, with emphasis on the historical injustice of the incident.

Justice Onovo ordered that while proofs of the said publications must be filed in the court within 60 days of ruling, that of the payment of compensation should be tendered within the 90 days from the date of judgment.

Consequently, the trial Judge directed the Federal Government of Nigeria to, within 60 days, engage its British counterpart with a view to securing full and effective remedies and reparations as ordered by the court.

Justice Onovo had, also, while affirming the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the matter, dismissed a preliminary objection filed by the representative of the Federal Government in that regard.

“The argument by the representative of the Federal Government that Nigeria was still under colonial rule when the killings were committed is hereby struck out”, the Judge ruled.

Ganduje’s Son Pays Surprise Visit To Kwankwaso

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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February 5, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Abdul-Aziz Umar Ganduje, a son of the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, on Thursday, February 5, 2026, paid a surprise visit to the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement in Kano, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.

The Source reports that the sudden visit is coming amidst the growing mutual disagreements and tension between the camps of Ganduje and Kwankwaso over the defection of Governor Kabiru Yusuf to the APC.

The Kano State Governor, an eirstwhile protege of the Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, in 2023 general elections, against all expectations, had, a couple of weeks ago, ditched the NNPP and his long-standing mentor, Senator Kwankwaso, to join forces with the APC and Dr Ganduje, a long-standing political foe of the Kwankwasiyya Movement leader.

The two antagonizing camps have been engaged in a bitter exchange of brickbats in the last few weeks as a direct fallout from the Kano State Governor’s defection.

Senator Kwankwaso is believed to be greatly infuriated that after years of painful struggle to wrest power from Ganduje in Kano, Governor Yusuf, by his defection has handed over the diadem to the former National Chairman of APC on a platter.

Although no official statement has emerged from the surprise visit, however, photographs shared on Facebook by Kwankwaso’s spokesperson Saifullah Hassan, showed Abdul-Aziz Ganduje decked in a flowing, agbada with the Kwankansiyya trademark white and red colour, being warmly received by Senator Kwankwaso at his private residence in Kano.

The young Ganduje was accompanied on the visit by the Kano State Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulssalam Gwarzo who incidentally has been facing a serious political heat over his refusal to defect to the APC with the Governor.

As would be expected, the pictures of the visit have since sparked serious debates, particularly among keen watchers of the festering political squabble between Kwankwaso and the older Ganduje, with not a few perceiving the development as a probable prelude to the possible final defection of the Kwankwasiyya movement leader to the APC.

Ondo NSCDC Arrests Two Islamic Clerics Over Allegation Of Child Abuse

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Ayodele Oni

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February 5, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) has arrested two islamic clerics, following allegations of brutalisation of two minors in Owo town.

The suspects are Adebodun Muideen, age 30 of Al-balaagul-mubeen Arabic & Islamic centre and Oladejo Musiliu, age 35 of Abdullah Arabic & Islamic centre, Owo.

Daniel Aidamenbor, Public Relations Officer, NSCDC Ondo State Command, in a statement on Thursday, stated that “On Wednesday, 28 January, 2026, acted on a report by a child rights advocacy group, Kids and Teen Resource centre, on the assault and child abuse, which was reported to the centre by the class teacher of the victims, who noticed multiple injuries on the bodies of the children.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the children, whose parents are in Osun state, gave them to the Alfas to learn the Quran and other islamic practises while still attending conventional schools.

“One of the victims brought home a Vivo Android phone of which he could not explain convincingly how he got it.

“During their findings, the other boy was implicated in the act. In order to reprimand them, a heated cutlass was used on their back and buttocks thereby inflicting a deep wound on them.

“The act is a total violation of the Child Right Act and the Ondo state Child Protection Law.

“The clerics who have since made confessional statements would be formally charged and prosecuted for offences bordering on assault and child abuse.”

Obi Calls on Nigerians to Be Vigilant and Ready to Resist, Faults Senate Over Electronic Transmission Vote

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The Source

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February 5, 2026

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Former Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has condemned the Senate’s rejection of mandatory electronic transmission of election results, describing it as a deliberate attempt to undermine Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Obi said his decision to comment on the electoral issue was delayed by the tragic killing of over 150 people in communities in Kwara State. He called for prayers for the victims and described the incident as another painful reminder of Nigeria’s deep governance crisis.

Obi described the Senate’s action as “outrageous and shameful,” arguing that the refusal to make electronic transmission compulsory removes a critical safeguard for credible elections. According to him, the controversies and disputes that characterised previous elections, particularly the 2023 general election, were largely due to the failure to fully implement electronic transmission of results. He dismissed claims of technical “glitches” during the last elections as fabricated excuses, noting that several African countries have successfully adopted electronic transmission to strengthen their democracies.

He warned that resistance to electoral reform by political leaders and the elite is dragging Nigeria backwards. He said the rejection of transparency measures entrenches disorder and creates room for manipulation by a small group acting in its own interests, rather than for the good of the country.

Obi also recalled past remarks by foreign leaders who described Nigeria as corrupt or disgraced, noting that continued opposition to reform only reinforces such perceptions. He cautioned that electoral malpractice like that witnessed in 2023 must not be repeated in 2027, stressing that Nigerians must be prepared to legitimately resist any attempt to undermine their democratic rights.

He further urged the international community to pay attention to what he described as early signs of planned future electoral manipulation, warning that such actions pose serious risks to Nigeria’s democracy and development.

Reaffirming his long-held message, Obi concluded by saying that a new Nigeria remains possible, but only if citizens collectively stand up to defend transparency, justice, and credible governance.

MURIC Says 210 Muslims Among Victims Of Kwara, Katsina Bandits’ Attacks

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Ayodele Oni

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February 5, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has announced that Muslims in Nigeria too have been feeling the worst experience in the spate of killings by bandits with the recent massacre of 210 adherents in Kwara and Katsina states.

The body decried what it called selective outrage and hypocrisy by Christian leaders over the gale of killings in the country.

MURIC’s Executive Director, Prof Ishaq Akintola, expressed dismay over the killings, which occurred in Woro town, Kwara State, and Doma village, Katsina State, on February 3 and 4, 2026, in a statement issued on Thursday.

According to reports, gunmen killed nearly 200 people in the two states, with the Kwara attack resulting in the deaths of 175 Muslims, while 35 Muslims were killed in Katsina.

The attacks have sparked widespread outrage, with MURIC calling for the federal government to protect all citizens, regardless of their faith.

MURIC accused Christian leaders, including Prof Joash Ojo Amupitan and Rev. Ezekiel Bwede Dachomo, of being “bad judges and Satanic referees” for ignoring the killing of Muslims, while focusing on the plight of Christians.

MURIC emphasised that every Nigerian deserved protection, regardless of their faith, and called on the government to ensure the safety of all citizens.

Akintola said: “About 175 Muslims were massacred in Woro town, Kwara State while another 35 Muslims were mercilessly shot and killed on Tuesday, 3rd February, 2026 in Doma village, Faskari Local Government, Ruwangodiya Constituency in the Northern part of Katsina.

The attacks have highlighted the complex security challenges facing Nigeria, with Boko Haram and other armed groups responsible for violence in the region.

“We are appalled by these senseless killings. We demand full protection for Nigerians of all faiths and ethnicities. Every Nigerian deserves Allah-given fundamental human right to life.

“Section 14(2)(b), Chapter II of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria says: ‘The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.’

“But Nigerian citizens are no longer safe. The killing of a single Nigerian is condemnable but what do we say when 210 citizens are massacred? This is one killing too many.

“We therefore call on the Federal Government (FG) to protect all its citizens, including Muslims, Christians and traditionalists.

“We will not be parochial like those who ignore the killing of Muslims and are calling for the protection of Christians alone. Every life matters to us. Every Nigerian should be protected no matter the faith.

“This is where America’s vow and its recurring refrain ‘to protect Christians’ alone in Nigeria assaults the psyche of the whole of humanity.

“It is petty, arrogant and disproportionately militant. America would have won the heart of the global community if it had declared an intention to stop indiscriminate killings in Nigeria but alas it came ‘guns ablazing’ to protect Christians only. This makes any American boot on ground in Nigeria a Christian Army with all its implications.

“The latest massacre involving an astounding number of 210 Muslims has made a mince meat of the lopsided and malicious narratives of Christian genocide, particularly Prof Joash Ojo Amupitan’s legal brief, Rev. Ezekiel Bwede Dachomo’s superfluous dramatisation, the hysterical and hypocritical tirade from Christian leaders of North Central Nigeria and the Nigerian media hype of same.

“At the risk of sounding judgemental, all the above may be seen as bad judges and Satanic referees for closing their eyes on the killing of large numbers of Muslims while concentrating on what happened to Christians only.

“Now we must ask them all: is it still Christians alone who are being killed? We may also ask America, ‘Is it Christian lives alone that matter? Are Muslims, Buddhists, Confucians, etc not homo sapiens? Won’t the world as a whole be a safer place if all human beings are protected regardless of faith, race or colour?”