Makama, in a post on X, said Trump’s remarks,
which allegedly portrayed Nigerian Christians as victims of systematic
violence, could be exploited by insurgent and extremist groups to justify
intensified assaults on Christian communities and aggravate sectarian tensions.

Recall that on Friday, Trump designated
Nigeria as a country of particular concern.

The US President cited what he described as ongoing violence
against Christians and the failure of the government to protect religious
minorities.

But the Nigerian government denied persecution of any
religious groups in Nigeria.

However, On Saturday, Trump threatened military action
against Nigeria if nothing is done about it quickly.

Reacting to the development, Makama cautioned that such
statements, especially coming from a high-profile global figure, might embolden
terrorists to deepen divisions among Nigerians along religious lines and
undermine years of interfaith peacebuilding and counter-extremism efforts.

According to him, although Trump’s comments may appear
sympathetic, they could inadvertently expose Christians to greater risks, as
terrorist elements might interpret them as international endorsement of a
religious conflict narrative.

Makama urged political and religious leaders to exercise
restraint and caution in their public remarks about Nigeria’s security
situation, warning that politically charged or religiously sensitive rhetoric
could have serious consequences.

He noted that Nigeria has long battled violent extremism
from groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP, which have often used religious
narratives to justify their crimes against both Muslims and Christians.

He wrote: “Comments credited to U.S. President Donald Trump
could endanger Christians in Nigeria by emboldening terrorist groups to carry
out targeted attacks under the guise of religious persecution.

“Trump’s remarks, which allegedly portrayed Nigerian
Christians as victims of systematic violence, could trigger insurgent and
extremist groups as a justification to intensify assaults on Christian
communities, in order to aggravate sectarian tensions in Nigeria.

“Such statements, coming from a high-profile global figure,
might embolden terrorists to seize the opportunity to further divide Nigerians
along religious lines. It also risks undoing years of interfaith peace-building
and counter-extremism efforts.

“Trump’s statement, though seemingly sympathetic, could
inadvertently place Christians in greater danger. Terrorist elements may take
advantage and interpret it as international endorsement of a religious
narrative, prompting retaliatory or attention-seeking attacks aimed at global
visibility.

“At this point, leaders and commentators must exercise
caution in their public statements about Nigeria’s internal security situation.
politically charged or religiously sensitive rhetoric could have severe
implications on the ground.

“Nigeria has over the years grappled with violent extremism,
including attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents, who have often exploited
religious narratives to justify their crimes against both Muslims and
Christians.”