A recent investigation by the New York Times reveals that Emeka Umeagbalasi, a screwdriver trader from Onitsha, Anambra State, may have played a role in the US decision to launch airstrikes in Nigeria. Umeagbalasi, founder of the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), has been cited by US Republican lawmakers, including Riley Moore, Ted Cruz, and Chris Smith, for claims of systematic targeting and killing of Christians in Nigeria ยน ยฒ ยณ.
The US carried out airstrikes on ISIS terrorists in northwestern Sokoto State on December 26, reportedly at the request of Nigerian authorities. Umeagbalasi’s reports, which assume victims are Christians if attacks occur in areas with large Christian populations, were used by lawmakers to support allegations of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria. However, experts question the reliability of Umeagbalasi’s methodology, citing a lack of rigorous verification and potential biases
