A Letter from a Detained Leader to the U.S. President
Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, has sent a powerful letter to the President of the United States, Donald Trump. This letter, delivered through his lawyer on Thursday, calls for urgent action to protect the Christian population in Nigeria. The contents of the letter reveal deep concerns about the ongoing violence and persecution faced by Christians in the region.
Kanu begins his letter with warm greetings, emphasizing the shared Judeo-Christian values that both he and Trump hold dear. He references a bold declaration made by Trump on October 31, 2025, in which the U.S. president stated that the country is “prepared to act” militarily and cut aid if Nigeria fails to protect its Christian population. This statement, according to Kanu, ignited hope among millions who have felt abandoned by the world.
The letter highlights the existential threat that Christians in Nigeria face. Kanu specifically mentions the Igbo heartland, where Judeo-Christians continue to suffer hardship. He describes the tragic events that have taken place, including the killing of peaceful worshippers during religious ceremonies.
Tragic Incidents and Reports
Amnesty International (2016) reported at least 150 peaceful Christian worshippers killed, with bodies dumped in rivers. The UN Special Rapporteur Agnès Callamard confirmed that at least 60 were killed and over 70 were injured in St. Edmund’s Catholic Church during prayers. Kanu emphasizes that this was not a clash but a massacre of worshippers commemorating their fallen. In Aba, 22 people were killed on-site, and 13 bodies were exhumed from a borrow pit. Children were executed for singing “Sweet Jesus.”
These incidents reflect a pattern of violence and persecution that has left many communities in fear. Kanu’s letter serves as a call to action, urging the U.S. president to take measures that could prevent further bloodshed.
Personal Struggle and Legal Concerns
Kanu also addresses his own situation, stating that he was never released, so there was no re-arrest, only continued unlawful imprisonment in blatant violation of constitutionally protected double jeopardy safeguards. He implores the president to consider the broader implications of inaction, suggesting that history will judge the world by what it does when genocide knocks.
He writes, “You have the power to stop a second Rwanda in Africa. One tweet, one sanction, one inquiry could save millions.” Kanu emphasizes that his request is for justice, truth, and freedom, even from a prison cell.
A Plea for Wisdom and Courage
In closing, Kanu appeals to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, asking for wisdom and courage to deliver His people once again. His letter reflects a deep sense of urgency and a plea for international intervention to address the ongoing crisis in Nigeria.