Nigeria Security Crisis Draws Scrutiny as First Lady Attends U.S. Events Amid Recent Violence

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, attended high-level diplomatic events in Washington, D.C. in early February 2026, including the 74th National Prayer Breakfast, where she addressed religious freedom and U.S.-Nigeria security cooperation.

Her visit drew criticism from Judd Saul, Executive Director of Equipping the Persecuted, who alleged she was “parading around Washington” while denying genocide as over 300 Christians were massacred in Nigeria within 72 hours by “Fulani ethnic militia.”

Verified security reports confirm deadly attacks occurred in Nigeria’s Middle Belt during this period: at least 17 killed in Benue State’s Abande village (February 3) and approximately 70 deaths across communities in Kwara State’s Kaiama LGA (February 1–5).

However, no official sources—Nigerian security agencies, UN bodies, or major news outlets—have verified a 300+ death toll within that specific 72-hour window.

Additionally, no public record or transcript shows Mrs. Tinubu denying genocide during her Washington visit. While Nigeria’s federal government has previously rejected “genocide” characterizations of Middle Belt violence, the First Lady’s documented remarks focused on counterterrorism collaboration.