A Call for Urgent Action
A former chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria for Rivers and Bayelsa, Apostle Eugene Ogu, has urged President Bola Tinubu to take immediate steps to prevent U.S. President Donald Trump from deploying military forces in Nigeria over allegations of killings of Christians in the country.
Ogu made these remarks while responding to questions from journalists in Port Harcourt on Friday. He emphasized that Tinubu should focus more on action rather than words to address the ongoing violence against Christians.
Trump recently redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, citing claims that over 7,000 Christians were killed in the first seven months of 2025, averaging 35 deaths per day and over 50,000 since 2009. Following this designation, Trump threatened to deploy military forces in Nigeria if the government failed to halt the alleged Christian genocide.
Speaking with newsmen, Ogu stated, “Tinubu should stop talking and take quick action. He should start by naming and removing all those who are involved in or supporting the killings from his government and from all our security agencies.”
He advised the President not to allow politicians to waste their ill-gotten money on organizing and hiring protesters to challenge the U.S. President’s threats. Instead, Ogu suggested that Tinubu direct the military to identify and remove all killer herders from communities where original residents have been displaced, ensuring they return to their homes.
The pastor added, “There should be no room for politics anymore when it comes to securing the lives and properties of Nigeria. The President must act now and very quickly to avoid the wrath of President Donald Trump.”
Ogu recommended that Tinubu personally visit areas like the Dogo Nahawa community in Plateau State and other conflict zones to understand the situation firsthand and take appropriate action. He noted that the American government is well-informed about the events in Nigeria.
Addressing the Crisis
Ogu highlighted that the current situation goes beyond diplomatic efforts. He called for the Federal Government to write to Trump, requesting six months to resolve the issue. Additionally, he proposed the formation of a task force in each state to compile lists of communities affected by Fulani herdsmen across the country.
These communities should be restored so that the original owners who fled the attacks can return home. Ogu also stressed the need to halt cattle rearing, which he described as a strategy for invading communities.
He further suggested that any politician associated with groups such as Boko Haram, Fulani herdsmen, or terrorist organizations should be removed from office and prosecuted. Ogu also called for the removal of so-called repentant militants currently serving in the Army, police, and DSS, proposing that they be retrained in farming instead.
“If you go to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other countries, you don’t see non-indigenes in their security forces,” he said.
Immediate Steps Needed
In summary, Ogu’s recommendations emphasize swift and decisive action by the Nigerian government to address the crisis. His calls for accountability, transparency, and the protection of vulnerable communities highlight the urgency of the situation.
The religious leader’s message underscores the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of all citizens, regardless of political affiliations or regional backgrounds. By taking these steps, Nigeria could potentially mitigate the risk of foreign intervention and restore stability within its borders.