Senator Henry Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West) described
recent comments attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump as a “wake-up call”
and urged Nigerian authorities to refine and intensify efforts to end the
country’s long-running security crisis
In a social media statement titled “Alleged Genocide:
My Stance On President Trump’s Statement,” Dickson said that if the federal
government cannot effectively tackle the problem, it should “collaborate with
those who can help us flush out these terrorists.”
Trump, posting on his social media platform,
characterised recent attacks on Christians in Nigeria as mass killings and
labelled the country a “Country of Particular Concern.” He warned that the U.S.
would halt aid and said he had ordered military preparations, adding that any
intervention “will be fast, vicious, and sweet.” Those comments drew
international headlines and prompted strong responses from Nigerian officials.
Dickson acknowledged the severity and longevity of
violent extremist activity in Nigeria, noting that groups such as Boko Haram,
ISWAP and other extremist cells have carried out deadly attacks across regions
for nearly 15 years. He said the victims have included both Christians and
Muslims and argued that the violence represents “a direct affront to Nigeria’s
sovereignty.”
The senator said graphic footage of attacks and what
he described as inadequate progress by security agencies are evidence that more
decisive action is needed. He expressed support for “any collaborative action
aimed at eradicating the murderous bands of terrorists who have wantonly
slaughtered thousands of our countrymen and women — Christians, Muslims, and
people of other faiths alike.”
Nigerian authorities have publicly rejected claims
that violence constitutes targeted genocide against Christians, while stressing
their commitment to protecting all citizens and preserving national
sovereignty. President Bola Tinubu and government spokespeople have pushed back
against the framing of the crisis as sectarian and called for dialogue and
cooperation rather than confrontation
Dickson urged the Tinubu administration to accept
international assistance where necessary and to intensify coordination with
partners to dismantle terrorist networks. He argued that no nation can confront
sophisticated, transnational extremist groups alone and that cooperation could
accelerate the restoration of security in affected communities.
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