The encounter took place during Buhari’s first term at a one-on-one meeting in the Oval Office of the White House.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari during his first term in office recounted how he defended Nigeria before ex-U.S. President Donald Trump, who accused his government of killing Christians.
According to DAILY TRUST reporting, former President Muhammadu Buhari revealed how he responded to ex-U.S. President Donald Trump’s accusation that his government was “killing Christians in Nigeria.”
The encounter took place during Buhari’s first term at a one-on-one meeting in the Oval Office of the White House.
Trump reportedly asked Buhari directly, “Why are you killing Christians in Nigeria?” The Nigerian leader, who said he was taken aback by the question, maintained his composure and clarified that the conflict between farmers and herders in Nigeria was driven by “cultural and environmental factors,” not religion.
Buhari explained that the crisis stemmed from population growth, climate change, and the traditional movement of herders seeking water and grazing land. “It’s a cultural problem, not a religious one,” he told Trump.
He also highlighted how earlier Nigerian leaders had established grazing routes and water points to prevent clashes, which later administrations neglected. Buhari said his explanation helped correct misconceptions about religiously motivated violence, noting, “The problem between herders and farmers is older than me, not to talk of him.”
He added that the U.S. later agreed to sell 12 Super Tucano aircraft to support Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.