US Mainstream Cable TV Pivots to Featuring Nigeria Terror War
By Masara Kim
(Abuja) American rapper Nicki Minaj on Tuesday spotlighted the ongoing campaign against Christian genocide in Nigeria, declaring, “No group should ever be persecuted for practicing their religion.” While she boldly spoke at a special event in New York supporting President Donald Trump’s interventions and advocating for the protection of the vulnerable, over 30 women and children were being marched at gunpoint into captivity in central Nigeria.
Armed terrorists seized them from a church service that was livestreamed on social media and reported on Fox morning news on Nov. 19.
In a recent shift in coverage policy, Fox has started covering Nigerian terrorists attacks close to real time on its prestigious news hours. UN Ambassador Mike Waltz and Nikki Minaj were discussed Nov. 18 both by John Roberts in the 6:00 hour and by Laura Ingraham in the 7:00 p.m. EDT slots.
Eruku Church Attack in Kwara
Live Footage shows worshippers in a well-lit church, roughly 20-30 feet wide, with benches facing a central podium when gunfire interrupted an ongoing prayer. As the predominantly female worshippers, including children and elderly attendees, fled for safety, five young men in their 20s and 30s entered, brandishing assault rifles and gathering belongings amidst the chaos.
Church leaders speaking to TruthNigeria reported that at least five worshippers were killed during the evening attack in Eruku, Kwara State, which lasted about five minutes per captured footage. Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq condemned the assault and called for increased and urgent security deployment to the Ekiti Local Government Area, particularly the Eruku axis, to curb the “new wave” of violence. However, in his statement issued through spokesman Rafiu Ajakaye, the Governor made no mention of the kidnapped worshippers or any rescue efforts.
The brazen attack follows days after the high-profile execution of a Brigadier General and a mass kidnapping of schoolgirls in the troubled north, raising fears that terrorists may be attempting to send a defiant message to both local and international governments.
“There is every indication that they want to test the resolve of [President Donald] Trump and the American government,” said Rev. Joseph Hayab, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the northern region.
‘Terrorists serious and aim to embarrass us all,’ says Clergy Leader
“These terrorists are serious and aim to embarrass us all,” Rev. Hayab told TruthNigeria. “They are out to kill innocent Nigerians, and the Nigerian government and security agencies must not treat this lightly.” He accused some Muslim groups of shielding and empowering the terrorists.
“They are trying to make a statement. Remember when Trump declared Nigeria a [Country of Particular Concern]; there was widespread anger,” said Hayab. “Many who expressed that anger appeared to either support the terrorists or have connections to them. Now they are using these reactions to showcase their existence. Trump has urged the Nigerian government to act against them, warning that if they do not, he will send intervention,” Hayab said.
“The recent events indicate that this evil has not yet been eradicated,” Hayab emphasized. “We need to take decisive action to eliminate this threat. While our security agencies claim to have made progress, such incidents raise questions about the sustainability of that progress. If it were sustainable, attacks during a church service would not occur.”
Emmanuel Umar Bagna, a former Commissioner of Internal Security and now a private security consultant, agreed. “These bandits and terrorists aim to intimidate and instil fear, making a statement that they are still active and capable of carrying out attacks,” Bagna told TruthNigeria by telephone.
“Now that the wet season is over, we are in the dry season, which facilitates easier movement between communities, unlike during the rainy months. This increased mobility contributes to the frequency of attacks,” Bagna explained. He noted that terrorists often target communities following harvest seasons, believing they can secure ransoms from residents.
“The government has failed its citizens,” he concluded. “These terrorists are adapting rapidly, clearly advancing their tactics while our law enforcement agencies lag behind,” he said.
Masara Kim is an award-winning conflict reporter and a senior Editor of TruthNigeria.
