President Donald Trump has called for a halt to foreign aid and potential military intervention to stop the ‘mass slaughter’ of Christians in Nigeria, following the testimonies of Boko Haram kidnapping survivors Joy Bishara and Lydia Pogu. Their harrowing escape from Chibok, Nigeria, and subsequent advocacy for religious freedom have drawn international attention, prompting Trump to assert the U.S. will not remain passive in the face of religious persecution.
In 2014, Boko Haram terrorists attacked a girls’ school in Chibok, Nigeria, kidnapping over 270 students. Joy Bishara and Lydia Pogu were among the survivors, escaping through a terrifying ordeal that left them injured and alone. After being relocated to the United States, they were enrolled in a small Christian high school in Oregon and later pursued higher education, standing firm in their faith despite pressures from the Nigerian government.
The survivors later spoke at the United Nations, sharing their story with global leaders and calling for action to protect religious freedom. During their visit, they met with President Trump, who has publicly committed to ending Christian persecution in Nigeria. According to the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law, over 7,000 Christians have been killed in Nigeria in the first seven months of this year, highlighting the severity of the crisis.
Trump has urged the Pentagon to prepare for possible military intervention, emphasizing that the U.S. should not provide aid to governments that allow or ignore religious violence. The administration also seeks to reform foreign policy to reflect both national interests and moral responsibilities. As a Christian university president, the author calls on the church to educate, pray, and advocate for persecuted believers, reflecting on the courage of Joy and Lydia as examples of faith in action.
The article concludes with a rhetorical question, challenging the American public to stand for religious freedom and support the victims of persecution, drawing parallels to the survivors’ resolve and urging moral clarity in addressing global crises.