Alleged Genocide: Igbo American Veterans Call For Establishment Of US Military Base In Nigeria

The American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), a US-based veterans’ organisation, has written to the US Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, calling for the establishment of a United States military base in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
  
In the letter dated November 6 and signed by AVID President, Dr. Sylvester Unyia and Secretary, Dr. Godson Obiagwu, the group thanked Secretary Hegseth for his “unwavering support in tackling the Christian genocide in Nigeria” and urged concrete action to deter further violence.

AVID is made up of American citizens of Igbo descent who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The group said its members have deep cultural and geographical knowledge of the affected areas in southeastern Nigeria, which they believe uniquely positions them to support US engagement in the region.

“We know the topography of the areas affected, their mindset, culture, and comprehend fully the magnitude of this problem,” the letter stated.

“A permanent solution is the only way to resolve this Christian genocide. Establishing a U.S. military base (in Nigeria) will be the genesis of resolving this issue, as it will serve as a deterrent to these perpetrators.”

AVID also accused the Nigerian government of spreading “lies and propaganda” about the ongoing violence, adding that its members were “ready and standing by to render any form of assistance.”

The veterans concluded the letter with an expression of loyalty to both the United States and President Donald Trump, writing, “May God bless you, Sir. Long live Donald J. Trump, and long live the United States of America.”

SaharaReporters had reported that President Trump’s decision to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern split the country. 
SaharaReporters had also reported that President Trump again said the United States would not stand by while ‘Christians are being killed’ in Nigeria.

In a speech seen by SaharaReporters, he again reiterated that he has designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern” over what he described as large-scale killings of Christians, and warned that Washington could cut aid or even take military action if the violence continues.

“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria, thousands and thousands of Christians are being killed, radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby making Nigeria a country of particular concern, that is a legal definition,” Trump wrote in a social-media post.

He drew attention to global figures and urged rapid action from U.S. lawmakers. “When the Christians or any such group is slaughtered like it’s happening in Nigeria 3100 Vs 4476 Worldwide, what horrible numbers.”

Trump called on members of Congress to move quickly, singling out appropriations leaders.

“Something has to be done, I am asking Congressman Riley Moore together with Chairman Tom Cole and the House Appropriations Committee to immediately look into this matter to report back to me, I mean like immediately.”

He added that the United States could intervene to protect religious minorities. “The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria and other countries.

“It’s not only in Nigeria, it’s all over. We are able and willing to defend Christians, the killing of Christians, it is not going to happen.”

The Nigerian government has rejected the characterisation and pushed back against the claim that the violence amounts to targeted genocide, saying the country’s constitution protects all faiths and that security challenges affect communities across religious lines.

Last Friday, President Trump announced that, in response to claims of genocide against Christians in Nigeria, he had redesignated the country as a “Country of Particular Concern.”

He made the announcement on his Truth Social media platform, writing: “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria,” Trump posted on Truth Social.  (SaharaReporters)