Physical Address
Awka Anambra State
The Chairman of the Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association (SKCLA), Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, has described the recent decision by United States President Donald J. Trump to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC)” as a critical wake-up call for both the Nigerian government and its citizens.
This designation, according to the Southern Kaduna cleric, is not merely a diplomatic label but a strong international warning that Nigeria must address its worsening human rights and religious freedom issues, particularly the ongoing attacks and killings of Christians and other minorities across the country.
Apostle Kure Reacts to U.S. CPC Designation
In his statement, Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Nuhu Kure emphasized that the U.S. decision reflects the global community’s growing concern over Nigeria’s inability to curb religious intolerance, sectarian violence, and insecurity.
He said the classification of Nigeria under the Country of Particular Concern status should compel the Nigerian leadership to take responsibility and act decisively to protect vulnerable citizens, especially in regions like Southern Kaduna, where communities have long suffered from violent attacks, displacement, and loss of lives.
According to Kure, “The United States’ action is a wake-up call to the Nigerian conscience. It is time for our leaders to look inward and address the injustice and inequality that continue to fuel violence and marginalization.”
Understanding the ‘Country of Particular Concern’ Designation
The Country of Particular Concern (CPC) designation is part of the U.S. International Religious Freedom Act, which allows the U.S. government to identify and sanction nations that systematically violate religious freedoms.
By placing Nigeria on the list, the U.S. acknowledges that there are serious and ongoing violations of religious freedom within the country including killings, abductions, and persecution based on faith.
This designation can lead to sanctions, restrictions on foreign aid, or diplomatic pressure, all aimed at compelling the affected country to improve human rights protections and promote tolerance among its citizens.
Southern Kaduna: A Symbol of Nigeria’s Religious Conflict
Southern Kaduna has been one of the hardest-hit regions in Nigeria’s long-standing struggle with sectarian violence. Over the years, reports of mass killings, destruction of farmlands, and burning of churches have continued to dominate headlines.
Residents of the area, mostly from Christian communities, have repeatedly accused both state and federal authorities of neglect, bias, and failure to protect lives and property.
Apostle Kure and the SKCLA have consistently raised concerns about the escalating violence, claiming that Christian communities face targeted attacks from armed herdsmen and extremist groups.
“The blood of innocent people continues to flow in Southern Kaduna, and the government seems to be treating it as a normal occurrence,” Kure lamented. “This cannot continue if Nigeria must remain united and peaceful.”
Call for Genuine Government Action
Following the U.S. designation, Apostle Kure urged the Nigerian federal government to view this development as an opportunity for self-examination and reform, not as an act of hostility from the international community.
He advised the government to strengthen its security architecture, ensure equal protection under the law, and engage in honest dialogue with religious and ethnic groups to resolve grievances peacefully.
He also called on the National Assembly and state governments to promote laws that protect freedom of worship and expression, warning that continued inaction could further damage Nigeria’s global reputation.
“The world is watching. Nigeria cannot afford to ignore this warning,” Kure added. “We must restore confidence in governance and justice, especially for communities that have lost faith in the system.”
Reactions Across Nigeria
The U.S. CPC designation has sparked a wave of mixed reactions across Nigeria. While many Christian leaders and human rights groups welcomed the move as a validation of their long-standing complaints, others viewed it as an external interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs.
Supporters argue that the international spotlight could pressure Nigerian authorities to address systemic failures, promote equity, and protect minority groups.
A member of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) noted that the decision “reflects what Nigerians have been crying about for years that the government has not done enough to stop religiously motivated killings.”
On the other hand, some government officials have criticized the U.S. decision, insisting that Nigeria does not discriminate based on religion and that the security challenges are rooted in criminality and terrorism, not faith-based persecution.
Despite the debate, the development has clearly renewed focus on religious freedom, security, and governance in Nigeria.
The Broader Implications for Nigeria
The U.S. designation carries serious diplomatic and economic implications for Nigeria. As Africa’s largest economy and one of the U.S.’s key partners, Nigeria’s image and international relations could suffer if it fails to address the issues highlighted by Washington.
Foreign investors and humanitarian organizations often rely on global assessments like the CPC report to determine a country’s stability and human rights compliance. A negative rating could discourage investment and limit access to international support.
For many analysts, this development should push Nigeria to rethink its approach to internal security and governance, especially in regions plagued by violence and religious division.
Southern Kaduna Leaders Urge Unity and Reflection
Apostle Kure and other Southern Kaduna leaders have called on Nigerians to set aside ethnic and religious differences and work together to build a peaceful and fair society.
They stressed that the U.S. decision should not divide Nigerians further but inspire collective action to restore justice, unity, and accountability.
“The message is clear we must take care of our own house,” Kure said. “If outsiders are calling us out, then it means our problems are visible to the world. It is time to heal, not to fight.”
He also urged religious leaders, both Christian and Muslim, to preach tolerance, forgiveness, and mutual respect, emphasizing that violence only breeds more suffering.
Conclusion: A Call to Conscience
The designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern by U.S. President Donald Trump has undoubtedly drawn global attention to the country’s persistent human rights and security challenges.
For Apostle Dr. Emmanuel Nuhu Kure and the Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association, this is not an attack on Nigeria but a moral challenge to its conscience a reminder that peace, justice, and equality are essential pillars of national unity.
As the nation continues to grapple with insecurity, economic hardship, and political tension, the U.S. warning stands as a call for urgent introspection and reform.
Nigeria’s path forward, the leaders insist, must be one of accountability, protection of religious freedom, and the preservation of human dignity for only then can the country truly rise above its divisions and reclaim its place as the giant of Africa.
