Ex-US mayor Arnold Nigeria genocide fears
A former United States mayor, James Arnold, has revealed that he prepared his will before embarking on his recent trip to Nigeria, citing fears for his safety amid reports of alleged human rights violations and insecurity in parts of the country.
Arnold, who served as mayor of a midwestern US city and is now an international human rights advocate, made the disclosure while speaking to journalists in Abuja on Monday during a peace and justice conference.
He said his decision to prepare a will before visiting Nigeria was not out of prejudice but out of concern, following global media reports and testimonies suggesting widespread violence, ethnic clashes, and alleged state-backed abuses.
“When I told my family I was going to Nigeria, they were scared. My wife cried,” Arnold stated. “I had to prepare my will before leaving the United States, not because I expected the worst, but because the world keeps hearing terrifying stories about killings, kidnappings, and alleged genocide in some regions of this country.”
‘Nigeria has both pain and promise’
Despite his initial fears, Arnold said his visit to Nigeria changed many of his preconceived notions. He described Nigerians as resilient, welcoming, and eager for peace despite the challenges facing the nation.
“I met families who had lost loved ones but still spoke about hope,” he continued. “Nigeria has pain, but it also has promise. What I saw here was not only suffering — I saw courage, strength, and a yearning for justice.”
He urged the Nigerian government and international community to pay closer attention to reports of violence, displacement, and ethnic tensions, stressing that silence or political indifference only deepens public mistrust.
“When communities cry out about injustice or killings, leaders must listen,” he said. “The world is watching, and history will not forgive those who turn away from suffering.”
Call for international collaboration
Arnold called for stronger cooperation between Nigeria and international partners on peacebuilding, transparency, and humanitarian aid. He also encouraged the media to balance global narratives by highlighting local peace efforts and success stories.
“Foreign observers often see only the horror,” he said. “But Nigeria’s story is much more complex — there are grassroots peacebuilders, clergy, traditional leaders, and young people doing extraordinary work to heal their nation.”
He concluded that his experience in Nigeria left him both humbled and inspired, urging the global community to engage the country with empathy and not only criticism.
“Before I came, I wrote my will out of fear. Now I return home with hope,” Arnold added. “Nigeria deserves peace, and the world must help it get there.”
About the Author
