The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, along with the Ecumenical Synods of Bishops, Archbishops, Apostles and Senior Clergy, have dismissed US President Donald Trump’s claim that American military action ended the killing of Christians in Nigeria.

Speaking in Washington on Friday, Trump said:

“As you know, we recently struck Nigeria and largely ended the slaughter of great Christian populations.”

Reacting on Saturday, Northern CAN Chairman, Joseph Hayab, described the statement as misleading, insisting that killings and kidnappings were still taking place across the country.

“The right people who should tell whether Trump has succeeded should be Nigerian Christians or Northern Christians, not Trump himself,” Hayab said.

He acknowledged recent US operations against terrorist groups but argued they had not stopped attacks on innocent Nigerians.

“We want help to bring an end to the killings, not Trump making claims for political gains,” he added.

The Ecumenical Synods of Bishops also rejected Trump’s remarks. The group’s International Secretary, Archbishop Osazee William, said there was no clear evidence that the reported US intervention had ended the violence.

“I have yet to see evidence of that claim… That statement alone is not good enough because the aftermath makes it clear that it had not really done the job we are expecting,” William said.

The church leaders called for sustained and practical efforts from both the Nigerian government and international partners to address insecurity and protect lives across the country.