Nigeria, Nov. 12 -- In recent days, Donald Trump caused a global stir after publicly suggesting that the United States might send troops or carry out air strikes in Nigeria, unless the Nigerian government stopped what he described as the record killings of Christians. His words were not casual. They implied a possible military action against Africa's most populous nation. Nigeria quickly rejected the accusation, insisting that it is not a religiously intolerant country. But the conversation his remarks unleashed is more revealing than the threat itself.

As a Nigerian, I am indifferent to the idea of America invading Nigeria. My indifference does not mean I support the idea, nor does it mean I dismiss its potential danger. It simply means...