The US House Appropriations Committee recently declared that Nigeria is rapidly becoming one of the most dangerous places in the world for Christians, emphasizing that the US must not ignore this crisis. This statement followed a briefing on December 2, which assessed Nigeria’s response to ongoing violence affecting communities across various states.
House Appropriations Vice Chair Mario Díaz-Balart led the session after President Trump’s directive on October 31 to investigate killings and abductions in Nigeria. Experts provided briefings on severe incidents, including the abduction of 303 children and 12 teachers from St. Mary’s School in Niger State on November 22, as well as attacks on worship centers in Kwara, Zamfara, and Katsina states.
Díaz-Balart reiterated the need for US policies that support religious freedom. Representative Robert Aderholt stated that the targeted persecution of Christians in Nigeria is a crisis that cannot be overlooked, while Representative Riley Moore called for sustained oversight due to the severe persecution faced by Christians.
Chairman Brian Mast noted that the violence is not just “inter-communal” but a targeted campaign of religious cleansing. Chris Smith, Chairman of the Africa Subcommittee, pointed out the Nigerian government’s failure to protect its citizens from such persecution.
Vicky Hartzler of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom warned that religious freedom in Nigeria has been increasingly attacked, affecting both Christians and Muslims. She urged the US to enhance accountability and transparency in security assistance.
Sean Nelson from Alliance Defending Freedom International described victims as defenseless against religiously motivated attacks. Senior fellow Ebenezer Obadare linked these challenges to threats from jihadist groups like Boko Haram, emphasizing the need to effectively confront this terrorism.
The committee aims to work with the Nigerian military to neutralize Boko Haram and to pressure President Tinubu to end the enforcement of Sharia law in northern states. The House Appropriations Committee pledged to continue cooperation with the Trump administration on these critical issues.
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