Donald Trump

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has rejected recent claims by United States President Donald Trump, who alleged widespread killings of Christians in Nigeria and announced the country’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern.”

In a statement issued on Saturday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government described the claims as false and not reflective of the reality in the country.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria notes the recent remarks by US President Donald Trump alleging large-scale killings of Christians in Nigeria and calling for the country’s designation as a ‘Country of Particular Concern.’

“These claims do not reflect the situation on the ground. Nigerians of all faiths have long lived, worked, and worshipped together peacefully,” the statement read.

The ministry noted that while Nigeria appreciates global concern for human rights and religious freedom, the allegations were inaccurate. It added that under President Bola Tinubu, the government remains focused on combating terrorism, promoting interfaith harmony, and protecting the rights of all citizens.

It further stated that Nigeria “will continue to engage constructively with the Government of the United States to deepen mutual understanding of regional dynamics and the country’s ongoing peace and security efforts.”

Trump, in a post shared on his Truth Social platform and later on the White House’s X account on Friday night, had claimed that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter.”

He added, “I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘Country of particular concern’ — But that is the least of it.”Trump also called on US lawmakers, including Congressman Riley Moore and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, to “immediately look into this matter, and report back.”

“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other countries. We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian population around the world!” he declared.

Last month, Congressman Moore urged US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to impose diplomatic measures against what he called the “systematic persecution and slaughter of Christians” in Nigeria, describing the country as “the deadliest place in the world to be a Christian.”

He also called for a suspension of arms sales to Nigeria until the government takes concrete steps to end the violence.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, speaking to CNN earlier in the week, dismissed the allegations, saying they were based on inaccurate data.

“Some of the claims made by some officials of the United States are based on faulty data and some assumptions that the victims of this violence are largely Christians,” he said.

“Yes, there are Christians being attacked, but these criminals do not just target one religion. They target Christians. They also target Muslims. We have seen that especially in the northern part of the country,” Idris added.

In a related development, the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, called for stronger protection for vulnerable communities and greater accountability in addressing violence across Nigeria.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” following allegations of widespread killings of Christians across the nation.

Trump made the announcement in a post shared on his Truth Social platform on Friday, which was later reposted on the White House’s X account.

This is coming at a time when the larger percentage of the victims the killings in Nigeria are Muslims.

According to the Family Research Council, such a designation is usually made by the US government—particularly by the Secretary of State—under American laws that identify countries violating human rights or engaging in actions that contradict US interests.

In his post, Trump wrote, “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘country of particular concern.’

”He added, “But that is the least of it. When Christians, or any such group, are slaughtered like is happening in Nigeria (3,100 versus 4,476 Worldwide), something must be done! “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.”

Trump further declared that the United States would not remain passive in the face of such violence, saying, “The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria and numerous other countries. We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian population around the World!”

FG Reacts

Reacting to the allegations, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, dismissed the claims as “misleading and unreflective” of Nigeria’s complex security situation.

Speaking on CNN, Idris said some US lawmakers were relying on inaccurate and misleading data to accuse Nigeria of Christian genocide.

His media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, released a statement reaffirming that the Nigerian government remained committed to religious freedom, human rights, and the rule of law.

Idris said, “Some of the claims made by officials of the United States are based on faulty data and the assumption that victims of violence are largely Christians. Yes, there are Christians being attacked, but these criminals do not target one religion; they attack both Christians and Muslims, especially in the northern part of the country.”

The minister also cautioned that spreading such narratives could embolden criminal groups that seek to ignite religious tension and animosity among Nigerians.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Israeli airstrike in Doha, Qatar, has triggered heated reactions on Facebook, where users expressed anger and criticism over the relationship between Arab leaders and Western powers.

In a post by Facebook user Aisar Fagge, he reminded followers that, “Don’t forget, Qatar gave Trump a $400 million Boeing jet in May, this year. And now Trump has returned the favour. Keep collecting 🔥🔥.”

The comment sparked a flood of responses.Several users showed no sympathy for Qatar. Hussaini M Maccido wrote, “I have no sympathy for them. I can’t waste it on useless people.” Similarly, Bin Muhammad Tofu commented, “I’ve No Sympathy For The Useless Folks.”

Others expressed disappointment in Hausa. Abdulrahman Yunusa stated: “Ya Shiek ka mana da Hausa ‘Sun maida biki’ kenan. An musu alheri sun rama da tsiya,” meaning Qatar responded with hostility despite receiving goodwill.

Saeid Naser Ado argued that the Gulf state betrayed Muslims, saying, “Ba’a murnar shiga wani cikin masifa, amma da sai na ce Allah ya kara. Sbd sun ci amanar Musulunci da Musulmi thou daman ba addinin ne a gaban su ba.”

Musa Babanta criticized the country’s leadership, describing them as, “Shameless people, they should donate their land to Israel to please their western masters.”

Adding to the debate, Abubakar Jamo accused Arab rulers of idolizing former U.S. President Donald Trump. He wrote: “The Arab leaders view Trump as a God. He can save them from being overthrown. During his last visit to the Gulf, his hosts were bowing as they shook hands with him. This is the effect of being extremely rich without being Godly. They are slaves despite being rich.”

The discussions reflect how some Nigerians interpret the ties between Gulf leaders and Western powers, blaming such alliances for the Israeli strike on Doha.

Many commenters suggested that Arab rulers prioritize wealth and Western approval over protecting Islam and Muslims.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United States military has launched an attack in the southern Caribbean, killing at least 11 people on board a Venezuelan vessel accused of transporting narcotics. Former President Donald Trump confirmed the strike on Tuesday.

Addressing reporters at the White House, Trump stated that American forces had “literally shot out a boat, a drug-carrying boat, a lot of drugs in that boat,” describing it as part of a broader push by his administration to confront cartels.

He later released a video on his Truth Social account showing a speedboat exploding in open waters.

According to him, those on board were members of Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan criminal organization recently labeled a terrorist group by the U.S. Trump further alleged the group is “controlled by Nicolás Maduro’s regime” in Caracas.

“The strike resulted in 11 terrorists killed in action. No U.S. forces were harmed,” Trump announced.

Officials in Caracas quickly rejected Washington’s version of events.

Venezuela’s Communications Minister, Freddy Ñáñez, said the video posted by Trump appeared to have been produced using artificial intelligence.

Reuters reported that its initial review of the footage showed no indication of digital alteration, though the agency noted its verification process was still underway.

The Pentagon has not released specifics about the operation, including the quantity or type of drugs said to be on board.

This omission has drawn scrutiny from regional analysts. Adam Isacson, a security expert at the Washington Office on Latin America, cautioned, “This is highly unusual. Being suspected of carrying drugs doesn’t carry a death sentence,” pointing out that the operation resembled U.S. counterterrorism measures more than standard drug enforcement actions.

This was the first publicly acknowledged strike since Trump ordered seven American warships, a nuclear-powered submarine, and over 4,500 sailors and Marines into the Caribbean.

U.S. surveillance aircraft have also been active over the area in recent weeks.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the strike, arguing that the narcotics “were probably headed to Trinidad or some other Caribbean country,” and pledged that the administration would continue targeting cartels.

The development has further strained relations with Venezuela, where officials accuse Washington of fabricating claims to justify military escalation.

Just last month, the U.S. doubled its reward for Maduro’s arrest to $50 million, alleging deep connections between his government and criminal organizations.

Caracas maintains that Tren de Aragua was dismantled during a 2023 prison raid and no longer operates in the country.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Columbia University has announced disciplinary actions against dozens of students involved in pro-Palestinian demonstrations on its campus earlier this year. Measures taken include suspensions, expulsions, and the revocation of degrees, according to a university spokesperson.

The protests, which drew national attention, had sparked controversy over their tone and messaging. The Trump administration, citing concerns of antisemitism, accused the demonstrators of promoting hate speech and paused federal funding to the university in March.

University officials stated that the disciplinary process was based on violations of campus policies, not political content. “We support free expression, but actions that disrupt university operations or threaten community safety are subject to consequences,” the spokesperson said.

Student and civil rights groups have condemned the punishments, calling them excessive and politically motivated. Advocacy organizations continue to demand transparency in the university’s disciplinary procedures.

By Muhammad Abubakar

President Donald J. Trump has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Congressman Buddy Carter, following a historic ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel.

Carter praised Trump’s role in ending the conflict and preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, calling his leadership “bold and decisive.” The congressman credited Trump with promoting peace and stability in a volatile region.

Now serving as the 47th President of the United States, Trump’s efforts, Carter said, “exemplify the very ideals that the Nobel Peace Prize seeks to recognize.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

United States Senator Bernie Sanders has issued a strong rebuke of President Donald Trump’s recent decision to carry out air strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, describing the action as “grossly unconstitutional.”

Speaking at a public event shortly after the president announced the strikes via social media, Sanders firmly asserted that such a move bypassed legal processes.

“The only entity that can take this country to war is the US Congress. The president does not have the right,” he stated.

The strikes, which were launched without prior congressional authorization, have sparked a wave of criticism from lawmakers, foreign policy analysts, and rights advocates.

Many have expressed concern that the unilateral decision could escalate tensions and destabilize the already fragile Middle East region.

The operation has drawn praise from Israeli officials, but some analysts argue that the applause masks a deeper concern about the potential fallout.

Critics say the attack increases the risk of a broader conflict and undermines diplomatic efforts to address Iran’s nuclear programme through negotiation.

President Trump has defended the decision as a necessary step to deter Iran’s alleged nuclear ambitions, but calls for a more measured and constitutionally grounded approach continue to grow louder within the US political landscape.

By Muhammad Abubakar

The United States government has announced a new policy requiring student visa applicants to make their social media profiles publicly accessible as part of the application process.

According to the Department of State, the move is intended to enhance security screening and allow immigration officials to better assess the backgrounds of applicants. The policy will apply to most non-immigrant visa categories, including the F-1 visa commonly used by international students.

Critics have raised concerns about privacy and potential bias, warning that the rule could discourage free expression online. Supporters, however, argue that it strengthens national security and helps identify potential threats.

The new requirement is expected to take effect later this year, with applicants needing to provide their social media handles and ensure that posts are visible for review.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) issued a strongly worded statement condemning Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s unilateral military strike on Iran, calling it a reckless escalation that defies international law and endangers global stability.

Sanders accused Netanyahu of previously violating the Geneva Conventions through the starvation of children in Gaza and now pursuing an illegal attack on Iran, risking a full-scale regional war. He stated that the strikes ignored the diplomatic efforts of the United States to resolve tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and undermined planned negotiations.

“The world is more dangerous and unstable as a result of the extremist Netanyahu’s government ongoing defiance of international law,” Sanders said.

The senator urged the U.S. and international community to resist being drawn into another conflict, and instead push for de-escalation and renewed diplomacy.

“We should do everything possible to prevent an escalation of this conflict and bring the warring parties to the negotiating table,” he emphasized.

By Uzair Adam 

Elon Musk, the world’s richest person and a former advisor to Donald Trump, admitted on Wednesday that he went too far in some of his social media criticisms of the US president after their public fallout last week.

“I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week. They went too far,” Musk posted on his social media platform X.

Musk’s apology came just days after Trump warned the billionaire of “serious consequences” if he tried to punish Republican lawmakers who supported a controversial spending bill.

Their dramatic split played out on social media last Thursday, when Musk harshly criticised Trump’s so-called “big, beautiful” spending bill, which Congress is considering.

Some Republican lawmakers opposed the bill and urged Musk, a major Republican financial backer in last year’s presidential election, to fund primary challenges against those who voted for it.

“He’ll have to pay very serious consequences if he does that,” Trump, who called Musk “disrespectful,” told NBC News on Saturday, though he did not specify the consequences.