MURIC urges calm over Trump’s threat to attack Nigeria

MURIC urges calm over Trump’s threat to attack Nigeria

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on Nigerians, particularly Muslims, to remain calm following a threat by U.S. President Donald Trump to launch attacks on Nigeria over allegations of Christian persecution.

In a statement issued on Sunday, November 2, 2025, by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the Islamic human rights organization said that the United States’ military action would only be justified if it is directed against terrorist groups such as Boko Haram, ISIS, and ISWAP.

“US strikes will make sense if they are directed at terrorist groups who have been killing both Muslims and Christians,” Akintola said. “Bandits who have been kidnapping people regardless of religion should also be on Trump’s hit list. Trump and the US will be hailed if this is the objective.”

MURIC, however, warned that any attacks targeting innocent Muslims, mosques, or Islamic leaders would be viewed as an act of aggression and “a resumption of the Christian crusade of the 19th century.”

According to the statement, “Terrorists are not part of us. Their methods stand in contradistinction to the tenets of Islam. We condemn terrorism and we will not associate with those who kill and maim. We reject ideologies of kidnapping and extortion. They are alien to Islam.”

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Professor Akintola urged Muslims and other Nigerians to avoid protests or anti-American actions in reaction to Trump’s remarks, advising them instead to go about their lawful activities peacefully.

“In particular, we warn against the formation of any militant group by any Islamic organization in response to Trump’s threat. Such groups are most likely to end up harassing innocent Nigerians, including Muslims,” he stated.

The MURIC director also advised the Nigerian government to adopt “persuasion and robust diplomacy” in responding to the U.S. president’s comments rather than engaging in counter-threats.

Reiterating MURIC’s motto, ‘Dialogue, Not Violence’, Akintola appealed to Muslim youths to embrace peace, forgiveness, and tolerance.

He added that Muslims must not allow any feeling of hatred or vengeance toward Christians or foreigners, emphasizing that hospitality remains a core principle of Islam.

“We have no hard feelings towards American citizens because we are aware that there is a huge difference between American citizens and their governments. The average American is warm, humane, and hospitable,” Akintola concluded.

#Trump #TrumpThreat #NoCauseForAlarm

MURIC urges calm over Trump’s threat to attack Nigeria