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Donald Trump has affirmed his commitment to ending persecution against Christians, as he hit out at “godless communists” he believed were seeking to harm believers in America.

Speaking at the Faith & Freedom Coalition policy conference, the US President said he was “saving Christians throughout the world”, highlighting the military strikes in Nigeria which killed jihadist leaders.

US troops have also been working with Nigerian soldiers, to tackle Islamic insurgents who have been behind attacks on churches and congregations.

“We struck Nigeria and largely ended the slaughter of great Christian populations”, President Trump said to a cheering crowd. He believed attacks had reduced, as terrorists know the consequences “will be far greater” as US troops would be “hitting them hard with the greatest weapons on earth”.

The comments came as part of a wider speech praising America’s Christian foundations, looking forward to the nation’s 250th anniversary and rededication as “one nation under God”.

“Our founders invoked the Creator four times in the Declaration of Independence. Four times. I wasn’t mentioned once, I’m very upset”, he said.

“Faith built this country into the most exceptional nation in the history of the world.”

“Americans have always deeply believed in the promise of Christ’s words in the Gospel of Matthew. With God, all things are possible.”

But President Trump, after a number of progressive candidates won elections in the week, warned that his Democrat opponents were seeking to persecute Christians.

Ahead of his remarks, he posted on social media that they were “godless communists”.

Left-wing politicians “want to resume the transgender mutilation of children, they want to restart the war on Christians and churches, and as you saw with the communists elected in New York recently […] they want to completely destroy the traditional American way of life,” the President claimed.

“They will close your churches in this country. They go communist, and they’re trying to. They will kill your people and that’s what they’re about. They want to end religion. They have to end religion because their ideology doesn’t work if you have strong religion – people like you that are so incredible and love our country so much and love God”, he told the crowd at the right-wing conference.

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The Oyo State Government has lifted the curfew earlier imposed across 10 local government areas following the recent kidnapping incident in Oriire Local Government Area.

The decision brings an end to the movement restrictions introduced as part of efforts to strengthen security and support ongoing operations aimed at addressing the situation.

The government had initially announced a 16-hour curfew in the affected areas before extending the measure by an additional day on Thursday as authorities intensified security surveillance.

With the curfew now suspended, residents have been cleared to resume their normal daily and economic activities.

The state government expressed appreciation to residents for their patience, cooperation and understanding throughout the period of restriction, noting that public support played a significant role in maintaining order.

Authorities also assured citizens that security agencies remain on alert and are continuing efforts to ensure lasting peace and bring the kidnapping incident to a complete resolution.

Residents were encouraged to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with timely information to sustain safety across the affected communities.

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The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has suffered another major setback in Bayelsa State as several of its key members, including a vice chairman and a House of Assembly candidate, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), barely 24 hours after a Federal High Court nullified the party’s registration.

The defectors announced their decision on Thursday, citing internal crises, alleged injustice, and dissatisfaction with the leadership of the NDC.

Leading the group was Deacon Felix Wilson, the winner of the NDC House of Assembly primary election for Sagbama Constituency II. Wilson, alongside his supporters, was officially received into the APC by Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, at the Government House.

Speaking during the event, Wilson explained that his decision to leave the NDC followed what he described as an unfair substitution of his name after he had emerged victorious in the party’s primary election.

According to him, his candidacy was replaced with that of Michael Magbisa, whom he claimed to have defeated during the primary, leaving him with no option but to part ways with the party.

“I am a candidate for Sagbama Constituency II under the NDC. I want the people of my constituency to know that I have now returned to my former political family, the APC, which is a party of progress,” Wilson said.

He added that he joined the APC together with his long-time supporters and expressed appreciation for the warm reception they received from the party. He also pledged to contribute to the party’s growth and work towards its electoral success.

Also announcing his defection was Saheed Umar, who served as the NDC Vice Chairman in Ogbia Local Government Area. Umar said he decided to align himself with the ruling party in order to contribute to its objectives.

“As a progressive youth, I chose to align with the ruling party and embrace the winning team. I am here to serve in the APC,” he stated.

Welcoming the new members, Deputy Governor Peter Akpe described their decision as a positive development for the APC. He urged them to remain committed to strengthening the party, promoting unity among members, and supporting the state’s development agenda.

Other former NDC members who also defected to the APC include Victor Egba, an Ogbia Constituency I aspirant, Gilbert Alawei, Agidi George, Azibola Oru, Solomon Etor, Fineman Eseimokumo, and Munteuma Clifford.

The latest wave of defections comes at a difficult time for the NDC, following the recent court ruling that nullified the judgment which had compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the party. The development has raised fresh questions about the party’s future as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.