Some Muslim leaders in Nigeria have urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stay away from the country following his recent statement pledging to join United States President Donald Trump in combating terrorist attacks on Christians in Nigeria.
Netanyahu, in a Christmas Day message addressed to Christian Zionist supporters, said Israel would open a “new front” to protect Christians facing persecution in countries including Nigeria, Syria, Lebanon and Turkey.
Reacting on Friday, the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) described the statement as ironic, accusing the Israeli leader of engaging in actions it characterised as terrorism against Palestinians. Speaking with Saturday Tribune, MUSWEN’s Executive Secretary, Professor Wole Abbas, said it was unfortunate that Netanyahu, whom he accused of committing atrocities in Gaza, was offering to fight terrorism in Nigeria.
Abbas further alleged that Netanyahu is facing prosecution before international courts and questioned the credibility of his intervention in Nigeria’s security challenges.