The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has clarified recent remarks attributed to former U.S. President Donald Trump, stressing that he is focused on fighting terrorists, not Nigerians.

The statement came from Reverend Joseph Hayab, Chairman of CAN in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory, during an appearance on The Morning Show on Arise Television. Hayab said Trump’s comments on attacks against Christians in Nigeria were widely misrepresented.

“Listening to what Trump said, Trump never said he was going to come to fight Nigeria. There’s a twisting of all these things,” Hayab explained.
“Trump simply said, ‘Go after these terrorists; if you don’t go after them, we can come and go after them.’ So, who is afraid of Trump coming to Nigeria?”

Hayab emphasized that acknowledging attacks on Christians is essential for national reconciliation and peace.

“You can’t tell someone who is a victim, who is in pain, that his cries are not true,” he said.
“Once we stop doing that, then we’ll find a solution. Let’s admit that people came and killed Christians, and they came in the name of religion. They came as Islamic fundamentalists.”

The CAN chairman clarified that Christians are not accusing all Muslims, but rather extremist groups who use religion as a cover for violence.

“No Christian is saying Muslims had a meeting and asked people to go and kill them, but Christians are saying fundamentalists, terrorists came in the name of Islam and killed Christians. When we acknowledge that fact, then we’ve started a journey of healing,” he explained.

Reverend Hayab called for empathy and dialogue among Nigerians, urging government officials to engage directly with affected communities to restore trust and unity.

“When we begin to talk to one another and understand the feelings and pain that people are going through, people will trust any conversation we bring to the table,” he said.

Hayab also responded to critics who suggested Trump’s statement reflects American political interests, arguing that Nigerian leaders should focus on addressing the grievances of victims rather than debating foreign motives.

“Before you tell me about Trump’s agenda, have you shown concern when I was burying people in large numbers?” he asked.
“If you fail to act and Trump says he’s coming, let him come, at least it will show you’re not the only one watching.”

Trump’s comments, which highlighted the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, follow reports of sectarian violence in Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, and other northern states. CAN’s clarification aims to redirect focus on protecting victims and ensuring justice rather than fueling misunderstandings over foreign involvement.