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Nigerians in America demand U.S action against perpetrators of genocide, seek accountability
A large throng of Nigerians under the aegis of the Save Nigeria Group USA with members drawn from from across the United States of America, defied the chilly winter weather yesterday at the grounds of the U.S Capitol to rally support for the over 52,000 of their compatriots killed in the on-going sectarian violence in the country and the 11 million others trapped in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps around the country.
The mammoth crowd was bolstered by activists from other African countries who live in the U.S and many Americans who have visited Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the leader of the group, Mr Stephen Osemwegie decried the seeming intractable ethnic-inspired religious killings and recurrent kidnapping of citizens which have ravaged many parts of Nigeria wondering why the government which should have the primary duty of protecting lives and properties has failed to do so in Nigeria.
His words: “We gather today on this sacred ground — not because of the buildings behind us, but because of the truth we are speaking, the justice we are demanding, and the lives we refuse to forget. I stand before you not only as President of Save Nigeria Group USA, but as a son of Nigeria… a witness to suffering… and a believer in the power of faith, truth, and righteous action.
“Today, as we raise our voices here in Washington, millions of Christians across Nigeria are living in terror. In Plateau… Benue… Kaduna… Taraba… Southern Kaduna… Borno… and the Southeast — the attacks are relentless: • Churches burned • Pastors beheaded • Villages wiped out • Women and children abducted • Entire communities erased • Over 11 million displaced Christians struggling to survive. And only days ago — over 300 Christian school children were kidnapped at Saint Mary’s Catholic School. This is not random violence. This is not “farmer-herder conflict.” This is a systematic campaign of religious and ethnic cleansing, carried out by jihadist militias and protected by political actors. Call it what it is: A Christian Genocide.”
He continued: “On November 1, President Donald J. Trump — with courage, moral clarity, and a heart for the persecuted — redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). This was not symbolic. This was the first true step toward stopping the killings. President Trump saw what many refused to see. He said what many feared to say. And he acted when others sat in silence. We thank him. We honor him. And we stand with him.”
The leader of the Nigerian Immigrants’ group noted that “Nigeria has abandoned the foundation that once held its diverse peoples together: The 1960 Constitution respected: • Religious diversity • Cultural identity • Regional autonomy • Fair political balance • Freedom of worship”.
“Today, a highly centralized system — established by force through several military coups and counter coups — has created a weaponized federal structure that empowers extremists, suppresses regions, and fuels oppression. The current 1999 Constitution of Nigeria begins with a Lie “We the People of Nigeria….” Which People? You mean a few Soldiers in Uniform? That document is at the heart of our problem. It should be repealed and replaced! We call for a return to a constitutional framework modeled on 1960, one that allows every region to govern itself, protect its people, and preserve its faith.”
He contended that the world must respond echoing the recent position held by former President Olusegun Obasanjo:
“Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo recently said: “When a government fails to protect its citizens, the people have the right to call for international intervention.” That moment is now. Nigeria’s government has failed. And we — as Nigerians in the diaspora — have the right, the duty, and the calling to demand global action”.
He therefore urged the government of the United States to act quickly, describing the designation of Nigeria by the U.S as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) as a good step in the right direction: “The CPC designation is only step one. Today, we call on the U.S. Government to move forward with urgency”.
The group further urged the U.S Senate Majority leader, John Thune to: “Bring Senator Ted Cruz’s bill, S.2747, to the floor for an immediate vote: to target terror sponsors, sanctions corrupt officials, cut off money fueling the killings, help stop the genocide as proposed therein.
They urged the United States House of Representatives through its Speaker, Mike Johnson to urgently pass the House Resolutions H.Res. 860, Rep. Chris Smith, H.Res. 866, Rep. Riley Moore both of which recognize the ongoig killings as Christian Genocide, seek to document atrocities, support President Trump’s intervention, demand accountability and call for action to protect the displaced. “Mr. Speaker — history will remember what happens next. Let the House stand with the persecuted”, the group held.
The Nigerian group called for what it termed “full CPC enforcement: “We demand: • Sanctions • Visa bans • Asset freezes • Criminal referrals against any Nigerian political figure, military officer, security official, or financier involved in: • Terror sponsorship • Covering up massacres • Protecting killers • Profiting from stolen crude oil • Profiting from blood minerals. • Benefiting from mass displacement Blood money must not continue flowing through American banks or global markets.
The group further called for the immediate release of Mr Sunday Jackson who was sentenced to death by the Supreme Court of Nigeria for killing a Fulani herdsman who attacked him in his farm in self defense.
“Sunday Jackson — a Christian farmer who defended his community from terrorists — now sits on death row. The killers walk free. The defender awaits execution. We demand: “Free Sunday Jackson. Drop the charges. Protect defenders — not terrorists”, they maintained.
The body contended that its stand is not from the point of anger but one “in righteous conviction. The Word of God commands: “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed” — Psalm 82:3, “Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter” — Proverbs 24:11, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,” — Matthew 5:6, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” — John 1:5. We are here because we are called. We speak because we cannot be silent. We stand because millions cannot stand for themselves, the group pointed out.
“We are not asking America to fight our battle. We are asking America to stand for the values it already claims: Freedom, Human dignity, Truth, Justice, The sanctity of every life. Let the world hear us from the Capitol steps: NOT ON OUR WATCH. NOT IN OUR GENERATION. NOT WHILE WE STILL HAVE A VOICE. God bless Nigeria. God bless America. And God bless every soul fighting for truth and justice,” the Save Nigeria Group concluded in their address.
A select number of members of the group later held a two-hour closed door meeting with U.S diplomats at the request of the U.S State Department, Washington DC.
Two persons sustained gunshot injuries on Wednesday during an attempted arrest by police officers at the River Niger Head Bridge, Onitsha, Anambra State, causing panic and disrupting vehicular and pedestrian movement in the area.
The incident, which occurred around noon, caused gridlock along the busy Onitsha-Awka Expressway, as a confrontation reportedly broke out between the security operatives and some hoodlums.
Eyewitnesses near the scene said the victims were shot during the confrontation and later became unconscious before they were rushed to a nearby hospital.
One of the sources said, “The incident occurred this afternoon. It arose from a confrontation between the police officers and the victims. They were being stopped by the officers for questioning. In an attempt to arrest them, they resisted the arrest and the police fired some shots at them.
“The incident resulted in heavy skirmishes around the Bridgehead Market as people scampered to safety. The area remained in chaos until the arrival of another batch of police team. The victims were later rushed to a nearby hospital.”
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the incident occurred when the suspects allegedly resisted arrest, resulting in gunshot injuries.
Ikenga said the Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Oji Ama, had visited the scene and addressed the crowd, adding that an investigation had commenced to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to him, the CP subsequently visited the victims at the hospital, where he assured them of the command’s support and pledged to personally ensure that their medical expenses were covered.
He said, “The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji, while addressing the crowd in Onitsha over the incident arising from a confrontation during an attempted arrest, stated that the immediate priority of the Command is to ensure that the victims recover fully.
“The incident occurred when suspects allegedly resisted arrest, resulting in gunshot injuries. The Commissioner of Police subsequently visited the victims at the hospital, where he assured them of the Command’s support and pledged to personally ensure that their medical expenses are covered.
“The CP further ordered a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, particularly the events leading to the discharge of the firearm.
“He stressed that the investigation will establish the facts and ensure that appropriate action is taken based on its findings.
“The Commissioner of Police appealed for calm and urged members of the public to remain peaceful and allow the investigation to run its course.”
Ikenga reiterated the command’s commitment to professionalism, accountability, respect for human life and the rule of law.
“Meanwhile, traffic and human movement around the Head Bridge area have been de-escalated, with free flow of vehicular and human movement now restored,” he added.
Three churches in Lagos State have been shut down by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) over noise pollution as part of an enforcement exercise targeting 11 establishments in Agege and Mushin.
The affected churches are Holy Temple of Christ on Ayetoro Street, behind NIPCO Filling Station, Mushin; Christ Covenant Gospel Church, Western District, along Ikorodu Road, Fadeyi, Mushin; and Christ Apostolic Church, Oye Iyanu, located at Mushin Road, Church Bus Stop, Itire.
LASEPA carried out the enforcement operation on Tuesday after the affected establishments had received warnings and notices over environmental violations.
The agency said the establishments were given opportunities to correct the problems but failed to meet the required standards.
The shutdown of the three churches was linked to noise pollution, with the agency maintaining that religious activities and other operations must comply with environmental regulations to protect residents and maintain peace within communities.
LASEPA also sealed Akorohunfayo Central Mosque on Akorohunfayo Street, Fadeyi, Mushin, over noise pollution.
Other establishments affected included Biolarique Bakery Academy on Mushin Road, Mushin, which was sealed for failing to comply with the agency’s directives.
Tiles & Marbles on Silver Street, Olorunsogo, Mushin, was also shut over air pollution.
Five scrap yards operating in Agege and Mushin were equally sealed.
The facilities were accused of various environmental offences, including failure to provide evidence of an E-Waste Permit, environmental pollution and non-compliance with directives issued by LASEPA.
The affected scrap yards are Abubakar Scrap at Pipeline, Ifako-Ijaiye, Agege; Benjamin Scrap Yard on Ladoje Street, Oko Oba, Agege; Starlas and Sons Scrap Yard, also on Ladoje Street, Oko Oba, Agege; Jamin Scrap Yard at Jungle Bus Stop, Iju Road, Agege; and a Scrap Yard on Olu Aina Street, Daleko, Mushin.
LASEPA General Manager, Dr Babatunde Ajayi, said the agency would continue to monitor establishments across Lagos and enforce environmental regulations where operators fail to comply.
He urged religious organisations, business owners, facility operators, scrap dealers and other residents to obtain the necessary permits, follow environmental rules and take steps to prevent activities that could affect public health or the wellbeing of people living around their facilities.
The agency said further monitoring and enforcement exercises would continue across Lagos as part of efforts to maintain a cleaner and safer environment.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has approved the appointment of 23 Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants to support his administration in various areas of governance.
The appointments, contained in a Public Service Announcement signed by the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, take effect immediately.
Nine of the appointees were appointed Special Advisers, while 14 were appointed Senior Special Assistants.
Among those appointed as Special Advisers are Hon. Chukwudi Ezinwa, Labour Union and Association Matters; Hon. Sunday Nnamani (Orlando), Special Duties; Mr. Williams Chukwu, Agriculture; Prince Afam Agana, Infrastructure Compliance; and Humphrey Onyima, Investment Strategy and Public Relations.
Others are Hon. Tony Ugwu, Rural Development; Chief Ernest Nweze, Party Coordination and Mobilisation; Hon. Emeka Onunze, Monitoring and Evaluation; and Mr. Robinson Odo (mni), Labour and Productivity.
Those appointed as Senior Special Assistants include Pastor Kenneth Asogwa (Ebube Muonso), Heritage and Community Relations; Pastor Tochukwu Ogbodo, Social Engagement; Barr. Lucky Chukwu, Public Affairs; Belonwu Nnaji, Cultural Orientation; and Hon. Steve Odo, Tourism.
Also appointed are Hon. Francis Ikewette Ede, Public Communication; Mr. Sunny Okafor, General Duties; Hon. Chinedu Okwu Otaka, Social Orientation and Mobilisation; Otaba Cosmas Ikechukwu, Protection of Public Utilities; Pius Okeagu, Assets Management; and Rt. Hon. Innocent Emeka Ugwu, Inter-Party Affairs.
The remaining appointees are Mrs. Eucharia Offor, Human Resource Management; Mr. Kenneth Oforma, Policy and Communication; and Kelvin Ede, Research and Strategy.
The state government said the appointments are effective immediately.
The new appointments are expected to strengthen the administration’s capacity across key sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure, investment, labour, rural development, public communication, tourism, human resources and community relations.
The full statement:
ENUGU STATE GOVERNMENT
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
The Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has approved the appointment of the following persons as Special Advisers (SPAs) and Senior Special Assistants (SSAs):
1. *Hon. Chukwudi Ezinwa* — Special Adviser on Labour Union and Association Matters
2. *Hon. Sunday Nnamani (Orlando)* — Special Adviser on Special Duties
3. *Mr. Williams Chukwu* — Special Adviser on Agriculture
4. *Prince Afam Agana* — Special Adviser on Infrastructure Compliance
5. *Humphrey Onyima* — Special Adviser on Investment Strategy and Public Relations
6. *Hon. Tony Ugwu* — Special Adviser on Rural Development
7. *Chief Ernest Nweze* — Special Adviser on Party Coordination and Mobilisation
8. *Hon. Emeka Onunze* — Special Adviser on Monitoring and Evaluation
9. *Mr. Robinson Odo (mni) — Special Adviser on Labour and Productivity*
10. *Pastor Kenneth Asogwa (Ebube Muonso)* — Senior Special Assistant on Heritage and Community Relations
11. *Pastor Tochukwu Ogbodo* — Senior Special Assistant on Social Engagement
12. *Barr. Lucky Chukwu* — Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs
13. *Belonwu Nnaji* — Senior Special Assistant on Cultural Orientation
14. *Hon. Steve Odo* — Senior Special Assistant on Tourism
15. *Hon. Francis Ikewette Ede* — Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication
16. *Mr. Sunny Okafor* — Senior Special Assistant on General Duties
17. *Hon. Chinedu Okwu Otaka* — Senior Special Assistant on Social Orientation and Mobilisation
18. *Otaba Cosmas Ikechukwu* — Senior Special Assistant on Protection of Public Utilities
19. *Pius Okeagu* — Senior Special Assistant on Assets Management
20. *Rt. Hon. Innocent Emeka Ugwu* — Senior Special Assistant on Inter-Party Affairs
21. *Mrs. Eucharia Offor* — Senior Special Assistant on Human Resource Management
22. *Mr. Kenneth Oforma* — Senior Special Assistant on Policy and Communication
23. *Kelvin Ede — Senior Special Assistant on Research and Strategy*
The appointments take effect immediately.
Signed:
Prof. Chidiebere Onyia
Secretary to the Enugu State Government
Wednesday, 19th August, 2026
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