Trump: I called El-Rufai and when he did not pick, I sent him a text saying, let us stop this

Reverend John Hayab, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Northern states, disclosed his behind-the-scenes efforts to prevent religious violence during a Trust TV interview responding to President Trump’s statement on Christian genocide in Nigeria.

Hayab recounted his involvement in a critical 2015 incident. “I can tell Nigerians who care to listen that the night that there was a problem in Zaria between the Shia and the military, I’m a pastor—I’m among the first people the Shia group called,” he revealed. He was in Lagos at the time but immediately took action, contacting then-Governor Nasir El-Rufai with a plea to stop the violence.

The CAN chairman described another intervention where security agencies planned to arrest pastors for hosting Shia worshippers in churches. When contacted by officials, Hayab attended a meeting where security officers presented their concerns.

According to Hayab, he responded decisively: “Sorry, sir, if you’re going to arrest those people, I’ll be the first you will arrest, because every Easter, every Christmas, and even Sallah and even Eid el-Maulud, I used to host them here.”

He explained his motivation for this interfaith outreach, stating he hosted Shia Muslims because “one, they are human” and “two, because they are Muslims,” adding that he wanted to relate with them “in such a way that together we will give peace.”

Hayab credited this intervention with preventing arrests that could have escalated tensions. However, he criticized the government’s overall handling of religious conflicts, arguing that had officials “actually sought counsel,” the current crisis might have been avoided.

The reverend suggested the government’s “fast response” and attempt to “bring up narratives” only “further flamed what you are seeing today.”

Despite the criticism, Hayab expressed optimism that the situation can still be corrected, noting that Trump’s statement has served as a wake-up call, reminding Nigeria “that there’s fire on our roof.

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