The protesters, dressed in traditional attire and holding placards bearing messages such as “There is no Christian genocide in Nigeria,” “Trump, stay away from Nigeria,” and “America wants to control our resources,” marched from the Emir’s Palace area to the busy Sabon Gari district. The demonstration caused temporary traffic disruptions along key routes like Zoo Road and Murtala Mohammed Way, but security forces, including the police and civil defence officers, maintained calm and order throughout the event.
Leaders of the protest described Trump’s comments as “an insult to Nigeria’s sovereignty” and accused foreign powers of attempting to stir religious tension in an already fragile environment. Speaking to journalists, one of the coordinators, Mallam Haruna Abdullahi, said the remarks were “misleading and dangerous,” adding that Nigeria’s diverse communities have lived together for decades despite occasional conflicts. He emphasized that portraying the country as a battleground between Christians and Muslims is “a gross distortion of reality.”
Many participants expressed fear that Trump’s comments could fuel further division or be used to justify external interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs. Some protesters carried banners calling on the Nigerian government to issue a strong diplomatic response to what they described as “unwarranted provocation.” Others urged local and international media to focus on promoting peace and unity rather than amplifying divisive narratives.
Security officials in Kano confirmed that no violence or arrests were recorded during the protest. Police spokesperson SP Abdullahi Kiyawa commended the demonstrators for conducting themselves peacefully and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting citizens’ right to lawful assembly.
The demonstration highlights the deep sensitivity surrounding Nigeria’s image abroad, especially on issues involving religion and security. Over the past week, Trump’s comments have sparked heated debate across the country, with political leaders, clerics, and citizens expressing divergent opinions. While some Christian groups say his statement brings needed attention to attacks in certain parts of Nigeria, many Muslim communities, particularly in the North, view it as an attempt to sow discord.
Observers note that today’s protest reflects a growing desire among Nigerians to assert their national dignity and resist what they perceive as external interference in domestic issues. As the crowd dispersed peacefully in the late afternoon, chants of unity and patriotism filled the air, with participants vowing to continue standing against any narrative that misrepresents Nigeria’s complex social and religious fabric.
