Trump orders U.S. probe into Christian persecution in Nigeria

President Donald J. Trump has ordered an immediate congressional investigation into the mass killing of Christians in Nigeria, describing the situation as an “existential threat.”

In a strongly-worded statement, Trump said he was designating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” following what he described as the systematic slaughter of Christians by radical Islamist groups.

“Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter,” he declared.

The president said the killings represented a global crisis. “When Christians, or any such group, are slaughtered like is happening in Nigeria — 3,100 versus 4,476 worldwide — something must be done!” he said.

Trump directed Congressman Riley Moore, together with House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, to investigate and report back on the situation.

“I am asking Congressman Riley Moore, together with Chairman Tom Cole and the House Appropriations Committee, to immediately look into this matter, and report back to me,” his statement read.

He insisted that the United States would not remain silent in the face of such atrocities.

“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other countries,” Trump warned.

The president added that America remained prepared to protect persecuted Christians worldwide.

“We stand ready, willing, and able to save our great Christian population around the world,” he stated.

Trump’s declaration has drawn renewed attention to Nigeria’s ongoing religious violence, which has claimed thousands of lives in recent years.

In the past, human rights advocates have repeatedly urged world leaders to act against extremist attacks targeting Christians in parts of Nigeria’s north and central regions.

President Trump’s directive marks the U.S.’s most forceful take on Nigeria since he returned to the Presidency in January.