If Trump Doesn’t Act, Terrorists May Do Worse: Thought Leader
By Luka Binniyat
Kaduna, Nigeria—A flurry of deadly attacks on unarmed Christians has prompted observers to speculate that the killers and kidnappers are flaunting a sense of impunity at President Donald Trump.
“The escalating attacks on my Chibok community and other Christian areas of the Middle Belt is a response by the Islamist terrorists … that President Donald Trump can do nothing to them,” said Dr. Bitrus Pogu, President of the Middle Belt Forum and a native of Chibok, to TruthNigeria.
Pogu said the surge is a calculated attempt by Islamist militants to show contempt for Trump’s warnings. Pogu further speculated that unless Trump backs his words with action, the militants may feel further emboldened.
“If he doesn’t act, he may have unwittingly provoked the terrorists to do worse,” he added. “Our people don’t care how liberation comes—we just want to be free.”
Security Consultant Adakole Adam of Adakson Security Consultancy, in Takum, Taraba State, has told TruthNigeria that the Fulani militias are “goading and daring” U.S. President Donald Trump after his ultimatum to the Nigerian Government.
An Upsurge in anti-Christian violence is evidentacross Nigeria’s Middle Belt and adjoining regions, TruthNigeria has learned. The escalationsurfaced just a week after when U.S. President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC), — diplomatic jargon for “human rights failure” due to systematic attacks on Christians. Despite global attention, including Trump’s warning that America would act against terrorist groups responsible for the ongoing genocide, the violence appears to be intensifying.
No fewer than 20 serious security incidents were recorded across seven states over the past week alone – most targeting Christian communities. Security analysts and local leaders fear that the spike may be a deliberate and scornful assertion by Islamist terror groups that Trump’s threats mean nothing to them.
Kaduna State Hit by Deadly Attacks, Clerics Abducted
In Kaduna State, the heart of the Middle Belt, attackers unleashed coordinated violence that killed several Christians and led to mass abductions.
On Wednesday, 12 November, militant Fulani gunmen struck Mai Yamma Jansaunin Gabas and Jansaunin Yamma communities in
Lere LGA, killing four people and kidnapping 11 others. Among the abducted were two ECWA pastors—Rev. Istifanus Dungu and the wife of Rev. Danbala Inuwa, Rahab.
That same day in Ugom, Kajuru LGA, another resident was abducted in a separate attack, adding to the relentless pressure on Christian farming settlements in Southern Kaduna.
The persistence of these attacks—especially after Trump’s CPC designation—suggests, according to analysts speaking to TruthNigeria, that militant groups may be carrying out “defiant strikes” to demonstrate their immunity from international warnings.
Taraba State Suffers Repeated Sunday Attacks on Worshippers
Taraba State, another Christian stronghold within the Middle Belt, suffered horrifying Sunday attacks. In Wukari LGA, militant Fulani herdsmen assaulted Amadu and Chanchengi communities on 9 November, killing one resident in the first attack and at least five in the second. This came after weeks of rising attacks in which more than 20 Christians had already been killed.
Abuja Estate Raided, One Kidnapped
Even the Federal Capital Territory—supposedly the nation’s most secure zone—was not spared. On 12 November, gunmen invaded a residence at Leisure Court Phase 1 Estate, Aco, kidnapping one individual and shooting another.
Nasarawa: Security Personnel Killed in Deadly Ambush
In Nasarawa State, the violence continued with alarming boldness.
On November 7, militants attacked Sarkin Noma in Keana LGA, killing three people.
On November 12, Fulani militants ambushed a security team along the Idadu–Agbashi road in Doma LGA, killing three operatives.
Kwara Records Multiple Highway Ambushes
Kwara State—usually considered less prone to insurgent-style attacks until recent reporting by TruthNigeria —reported multiple incidents.
1. On 9 November, vigilantes repelled terrorists attempting to invade the School of Nursing, Isanlu Makutu, in Yagba East.
2. That same day, armed herdsmen ambushed commuters along the Ayere–Kabba road in Ijumu LGA, killing one and injuring several.
3. Another ambush occurred on the Eruku–Egbe road in Ekiti LGA on 10 November, leaving unconfirmed casualties and kidnappings.
Borno Sees Church Burning, Terror Ambushes, Inter-Group Clashes
Borno State faced some of the week’s worst atrocities. On 8 November, Boko Haram terrorists
burned the EYN LCC Church in Pemi Ward of Chibok LGA, along with nearby shops and vehicles—marking the second attack on the same church.
In Biu LGA on 9 November, Boko Haram/ISWAP operatives ambushed civilians on the Buratai–Kamuya road, abducting travellers and seizing vehicles.
Meanwhile, in Abadam LGA, Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters clashed in Toumbin Gini, leaving more than 50 dead.
Katsina: Rival Bandit Factions Clash
In Katsina, deadly clashes erupted between factions loyal to Mustapha Babaro and Sanusi Dan
Dutsinma on 11 November in Pauwa Forest, killing two fighters.
This followed a November 6 attack on Doguwar Dorawa in Bakori LGA, where two people were killed and several abducted, alongside a simultaneous raid on Yannehu community.
Security Successes
Yet, amid the spate of attacks, security agencies reported some operational successes:
· In Taraba State: Troops under 6 Brigade Operation Whirl Stroke arrested a suspect and recovered ammunition during an intelligence-led raid in Shagada Village, Gassol LGA, according to Radio Nigeria Kaduna.
· In Benue State: Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke neutralized a bandit and recovered weapons in Atrayange, Ukum LGA.
· In Borno: A military counter-operation later freed 86 abductees and destroyed a terrorist base.
Luka Binniyat, based in Kaduna, is a conflict reporter for TruthNigeria.
