Christian ‘Genocide’ in Northern Nigeria: Why Senator Remi Tinubu’s Calls U.S. Action a Moral Imperative

By Prof. Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies

The recent statements of Senator (Dr.) Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady, cannot be dismissed as mere rhetoric or political theater. Her description of the U.S. Christmas Day military strikes in northern Nigeria as a “blessing”, and her call for further U.S. intervention, reflects a reality that Nigerians have endured in silence for far too long: Christian communities in the north are being systematically targeted and slaughtered.

For decades, the international community and even our own government have turned a blind eye while terror groups wreak havoc on villages, destroy churches, abduct priests and pastors, and force entire populations into displacement. This is not a mere security challenge—it is a humanitarian crisis of staggering proportions, which many Nigerians rightly describe as a slow-motion genocide.

Senator Tinubu’s call for continued U.S. military action is not a celebration of violence. It is a recognition that, after years of inaction, decisive intervention is necessary to save lives. The Christmas Day strike targeted extremist positions that have killed, maimed, and terrorized civilians for far too long. The First Lady’s remarks are an urgent reminder that Nigeria cannot fight this battle alone.

The Government Must Match Words with Action
While international support is welcome, the Federal Government of Nigeria cannot continue to rely on foreign powers to protect its citizens. The government must strengthen its national security architecture, ensuring rapid response to attacks, improved intelligence, and accountability for failures. Security agencies must protect Christian populations and other vulnerable groups while prosecuting those who sponsor, fund, or collaborate with terror networks.

Engaging Christian Leadership Is Essential
Faith-based leaders, particularly those represented by the Nigerian Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs (NSCEA), play a vital role in mitigating the effects of this crisis. They provide local intelligence, humanitarian coordination, and community trust that government alone cannot replicate. Their voices and insights must be incorporated into national security and humanitarian strategies.

A Call to the International Community
The First Lady’s appeal is also a message to the world: the time for treating Nigeria’s crisis as “internal politics” is over. Terror networks in Nigeria are destabilizing West Africa, facilitating ideological radicalization, and enabling trafficking and ransom economies. Global security is intertwined with Nigeria’s stability, and foreign partners must respond with urgency and responsibility.

Moral Clarity in Leadership
Senator Tinubu has spoken with moral clarity, compassion, and courage. She has given voice to the widows, the orphans, the displaced, the pastors, and the Christian communities that have endured repeated attacks. Her courage is a call for Nigerians of all faiths, civil society, and the international community to confront this crisis without fear or hesitation.

Conclusion
The Christian communities of northern Nigeria deserve protection. Nigerian leaders must act decisively to safeguard lives, prosecute perpetrators, and ensure that faith-based humanitarian institutions can operate without fear. International partners, particularly the United States, must continue to support these efforts responsibly.

Senator Remi Tinubu’s words are not just a call for military intervention—they are a wake-up call for Nigeria and the world. Lives cannot wait any longer. The time for action is now.

SIGNED:
Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies
Former Presidential Candidate | Public Affairs Analyst | Christian Advocate
Abuja, Nigeria