SCREWDRIVER TRADER’S CLAIMS SPARK CONTROVERSY OVER US AIRSTRIKES IN NIGERIA
GREATRIBUNTVNEWS–A New York Times investigation reveals that Emeka Umeagbalasi, a screwdriver trader from Onitsha, Anambra State, played a significant role in shaping US policy towards Nigeria, leading to airstrikes in December 2025.
Here are the key issues:
– Umeagbalasi’s Claims : Umeagbalasi, founder of the International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law (Intersociety), claimed 125,000 Christians have been killed in Nigeria since 2009, citing “secondary sources” like Christian interest groups, Nigerian media, and Google searches.
– Methodology Criticized: Experts say Umeagbalasi’s methodology is flawed, with no verification of data and assumptions about victims’ religion based on geography. “The basic addition is very, very faulty,” said Nnamdi Obasi, Nigeria adviser for the International Crisis Group.
– Influence on US Policy: Umeagbalasi’s research was cited by US lawmakers, including Senator Ted Cruz and Representative Riley Moore, and influenced President Donald Trump’s decision to order airstrikes in northwestern Nigeria.
– Criticism and Controversy: Nigerian officials and experts criticize Umeagbalasi’s claims as “performative” and “confirmation bias”. Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah says focusing on religious data obscures deeper issues of state weakness.
– Umeagbalasi’s Response: “This is our heavenly marathon,” Umeagbalasi said, remaining resolute despite criticism
He claimed that nearly 20,000 churches have been destroyed in Nigeria over the past 16 years and estimated that there are 100,000 churches nationwide. When asked how he arrived at that figure, he replied simply: “Googled it.”
SOURCE==BUSINESS DAY ==EXCEPT THE HEADLINE AND INTRO PLUS A FEW PARAGRAPHS
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