Senator Henry Seriake Dickson Calls for Stronger Action Against Terrorists over Trump’s Threats
A Nigerian senator, Henry Seriake Dickson, has responded to recent remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump concerning alleged genocide in Nigeria, emphasizing that while Nigeria’s sovereignty must be respected, the nation must not shy away from global cooperation to end the reign of terror that has devastated communities for over a decade.
In a detailed statement titled “My Stance on President Trump’s Statement,” Senator Dickson condemned the incessant attacks by terrorist groups across the country, particularly in the North-East, and urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts or seek external collaboration to completely wipe out insurgents.
“Nigeria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national institutions must be respected by all.
“At the same time, I fully support any collaborative action aimed at eradicating the murderous bands of terrorists who have wantonly slaughtered thousands of our countrymen and women Christians, Muslims, and people of other faiths alike,” the statement read.
The senator lamented that for almost 15 years, groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, and affiliates of ISIS and al-Qaeda, as well as emerging factions like Lakurawa and Wulowulo, have caused untold suffering in the country.
He described them as “fundamentalist groups opposed to Western education” that have targeted schools, places of worship, traditional institutions, and civilians indiscriminately.
He recalled the abductions of the Chibok girls, Dapchi girls, and Buni Yadi schoolchildren, noting that Nigeria still struggles to account for several victims, including Leah Sharibu and many of the Chibok girls who remain missing years later.
According to Senator Dickson, these terrorists have not only destroyed lives but have also entrenched themselves in parts of Borno, Zamfara, and Katsina States, where they continue to impose levies, control communities, and challenge the authority of the Nigerian state.
“This is a direct affront to Nigeria’s sovereignty and should not be tolerated any further.
President Trump’s statement is a wake-up call to action. If the Nigerian government is unable to address this issue effectively, then it must collaborate with those who can help us flush out these terrorists,” he declared.
The senator also revealed that the Nigerian Senate has been actively engaging with the Executive to find lasting solutions, including proposals for a National Security Summit and a resolution mandating Senate leadership to interface with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on dispatching a non-partisan team of statesmen and experts to Washington D.C.
He noted that the scope of insecurity has expanded beyond the North-East, with Sokoto, Zamfara, Taraba, Katsina, Niger, and even Kwara States now grappling with attacks.
He also highlighted the worsening violence in the Middle Belt regions, particularly Benue, Plateau, and Southern Kaduna, where coordinated massacres and displacement of indigenous communities have persisted for years.
“Everyone in Nigeria knows that in the Middle Belt, the coordinated massacres of innocent citizens by marauding terrorists and bandits have been going on for many years.
Some of the footage of the carnage is unimaginable, while efforts by government and security agencies have clearly not been effective in tackling the menace,” Senator Dickson added.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment, alongside his colleagues in the National Assembly, to ensure that the Nigerian government takes decisive and collaborative action to end terrorism and restore peace across all affected regions.
