The Russian government on Friday confirmed it is monitoring the events in Nigeria, following President Donald Trump’s recent statements regarding a possible military action.
“We are monitoring the situation and call for strict compliance with international law,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing in Moscow.
President Trump has reiterated his resolve to deploy the United States forces to Nigeria over the escalating violence against Christians amid outrage over killings abductions.
The U.S. leader declared that Christians in Nigeria are being killed “in very large numbers”, vowing that America would not allow the situation to continue.
Trump has designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, a tag for nations witnessing severe violations of religious freedom under the International Religious Freedom Act.
But the Nigerian government has pushed back, insisting the the claims of genocide are inaccurate. On Friday, President Bola Tinubu said Nigeria “will decisively defeat terrorism and claim victory in this battle.”
Tinubu noted that although that the country has faced terrorism almost two decades, “we remain steadfast in our commitment to engage partners and champion Nigeria’s interests on the diplomatic front.”
In its reaction, the Orthodox Public Affairs Committee commended the Trump administration for the renewed commitment to confronting the targeting of Christians in Nigeria.
“The evidence of persecution has been overwhelming,” said OPAC Co-founder and Chairman, George Gigicos. “The designation is a necessary step toward meaningful and sustained action.”
Vice Chairman, Andrew Veniopoulos, said OPAC supports any initiative to restore peace and security to innocent people who practice their faith. “This is not a political matter—it is a moral imperative,” he added.
Expressing solidarity with Nigerians, “who deserve to live and worship without fear of violence or discrimination,” OPAC Secretary Nick Furris called for coordinated and sustained efforts by all parties.
The religious organization, however, urged the governments of Nigeria, the U.S., and all nations to pursue lasting tranquility through dialogue, understanding, and justice.
