We decided to go 'guns-a-blazing' on the subject of the purported persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The idea that Nigeria is being overrun by a hidden Islamisation/jihad agenda was a talking point restricted to more conspiratorial circles — until recently. That none other than the president of the United States has embraced the idea— promising to rise in defence of Nigerian Christians — suggests how quickly the discourse has gained mainstream currency.

In this episode we discuss the rise of the “Christian genocide discourse” attempting to separate fact from fiction. We sift through incidents, reactions, possible reasons and consequences to the violence in the middle belt. Revisiting the history and origins of the bloodshed, we look at the factors causing the violence today.

How seriously should we take the growing interest in Nigeria among the hawkish factions of Congress and the Trump Administration? Will the US intervene to save Nigerian Christians? What can be done to improve the security situation in Nigeria?

Enjoy — and have a blessed Sunday.