Trump’s accusations rebuffed: Soludo says Christians are killing Christians in South-East

Trump’s accusations rebuffed: Soludo says Christians are killing Christians in South-East

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has firmly dismissed claims of a religious war in Nigeria’s South-East, asserting that the region’s ongoing violence is not rooted in religious conflict but in deeper socio-political issues.

Soludo made the remarks during a live media chat broadcast on national television, responding to recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened military action against Nigeria under the pretext of “protecting Christians” from alleged genocide. Trump’s statement has drawn global attention and sparked diplomatic concerns.

“In this part of the world—eastern Nigeria—it is not religious. People are killing themselves—Christians killing Christians,” Soludo said. “The people in the bushes are Emmanuel, Peter, and John, all Christian names. They have maimed and killed thousands of our youths. It has nothing to do with religion”.

Soludo emphasized that with the South-East being 95 percent Christian, the violence cannot be attributed to religious differences. He called for introspection and dialogue to address the root causes of insecurity in the region.

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“There is a deeper conversation—our own introspection about what goes on in the country,” he noted. “Nigeria will overcome. It will end in conversation”.

His comments come amid growing international scrutiny, with U.S. lawmakers, media outlets, and secessionist groups alleging targeted attacks on Christians in Nigeria. The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has even expressed support for Trump’s stance, claiming it aligns with their calls to end “ethno-religious genocide”.

While acknowledging America’s right to express opinions, Soludo urged foreign powers to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and international law.

“If the U.S. must step in, it must be on the invitation of the Nigerian government with due respect for international laws,” he stated.

Soludo’s remarks echo broader concerns about the mischaracterization of Nigeria’s internal conflicts. Analysts warn that framing the crisis as religious could oversimplify the complex dynamics at play and risk inflaming tensions.

The governor reiterated his belief in peaceful resolution through dialogue and national unity. His stance aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s recent reaffirmation of Nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom and constitutional democracy in response to Trump’s threats.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with insecurity, leaders across the country are calling for nuanced understanding, collaborative solutions, and respect for the nation’s diverse fabric.

Trump’s accusations rebuffed: Soludo says Christians are killing Christians in South-East