By Jeleel Olawale, Ile-Ife
The Yoruba Council Worldwide (YCW) has urged the United States of America (USA) Government to remove Nigeria from the list of countries of particular concern.
Addressing a press conference at the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-Ife on Monday, the Group argued that the alleged killings plaguing Nigeria over the last two decades are not solely targeted at Christians but have tragically affected innocent citizens across all faiths.
The Group also sought the intervention of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, to facilitate a diplomatic engagement with President Bola Tinubu regarding pressing national security and economic concerns.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, the President of the YCW, Barr. Oladotun Hassan, expressed grave concern over the unending violence claiming lives nationwide.
Hassan insisted that these atrocities must be interpreted as acts of terrorism affecting Muslims, Christians, and adherents of other faiths alike, rather than exclusively Christian attacks.
The Council described the sustained insecurity as a punitive measure against the Federal Government, though they commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their sacrifices in safeguarding national stability.
Hassan further called on President Donald Trump and the U.S. government to extend goodwill and support to the current administration under President Tinubu.
He stressed the need for enhanced intelligence-sharing, technological collaboration, and logistical support between both nations, noting that Nigeria’s armed forces have a history of working alongside the US military on global peacekeeping missions.