A Chieftain’s Call for Collaboration in Combating Terrorism
Adamu Garba, a prominent figure within the All Progressives Congress, has publicly supported U.S. President Donald Trump’s assertion that a genocide is currently taking place in Nigeria. This statement came during a video interview with Trust Tv, which was shared on Facebook. Garba addressed the recent designation of Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ by the United States, emphasizing that the number of lives lost in violent attacks across the country aligns with the definition of genocide.
Garba recalled an incident from 2014 when members of the APC, then in opposition, visited the White House to seek assistance regarding the mass killing of Christians in Nigeria. He stated:
- “In fact, in 2014, Nigerian opposition party, then the APC, were in the White House seeking for the same help on the same Christian genocide as a fallout of the Chibok girls. This is established.”
He also highlighted the recent acquisition of $346 million worth of weaponry from the U.S., noting that this is part of a broader diplomatic relationship between Nigeria and the U.S. Garba emphasized that the U.S. has been a consistent supporter in the fight against terrorism, referencing the United Nations Convention on Counterterrorism.
- “And it is a United Nations Convention on Counterterrorism that empowers the United States to become the global front or focal point in fighting against terrorism.”
- “Wherever a word terrorism was defined in a given area, that means US have rights to protect, they call it a responsibility to protect R2P. They have right to invoke that R2P to get into that country and destroy that terrorism.”
Garba urged the Nigerian government to demonstrate willingness to partner with the U.S. in eradicating terrorism rather than dismissing the country’s offer of assistance. He suggested that Nigeria should engage the U.S. diplomatically, negotiate responsibly, and acknowledge the scale of killings rather than dismiss concerns outright.
- “We can tell them, give us the weapons responsibly. We can discuss with them and acknowledge that this genocide is taking place. Yes, they say Christian genocide.”
- “Now, we can justify to them that look, it’s not only genocide, it’s not only Christians, Muslims also are affected.”
Garba noted that innocent citizens continue to be killed in their homes and communities without protection, adding that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of repeated attacks. He described the situation as alarming:
- “When I look at the damages, when you look at the total number of the people that have been killed over time in Nigeria and they are killed defenceless in villages, sleeping in their homes, then what can you call this for God’s sake?”
- “I think it’s actually pure genocide because you just come and kill people just like that. And this thing has been happening. Several villages in Kasina, destroyed. Several villages in Sokoto, gone. Several villages in Zamfara, every day.”
Garba’s statements reflect a deep concern for the ongoing violence and a call for international collaboration to address the crisis effectively. His perspective highlights the need for dialogue and partnership between Nigeria and the U.S. to combat terrorism and protect innocent lives.