Nigeria's Dire Religious Freedom Crisis Exposed by US Lawmaker

The U.S. House Subcommittee on Africa convened a public session on Thursday to examine President Donald Trump's recent reclassification ...

The U.S. House Subcommittee on Africa convened a public session on Thursday to examine President Donald Trump's recent reclassification of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, a designation that subjects the nation to heightened monitoring over claims of religious freedom breaches.

The session, led by Representative Chris Smith, began at 5 p.m. in Washington, DC, and featured high-ranking U.S. State Department representatives along with Nigerian religious figures.

Lawmakers examined the possible effects of the CPC designation, such as penalties for Nigerian officials and limitations on specific types of U.S. assistance.

Throughout the meeting, Representative John James, who previously led the Africa Subcommittee and is now part of the Energy and Commerce Committee, stated that the designation is essential to tackle what he referred to as an escalating crisis for Christians in Nigeria.

"Nigeria is experiencing one of the most severe religious freedom challenges globally. I have been there and witnessed the harsh realities in what has become the most dangerous place in the world to be a Christian," James stated.

He outlined the level of brutality, stating, “Since 2019, almost 17,000 Christians have been killed. In just the first seven months of this year, hundreds more were slain.”

These are not individual incidents, but a continuous cycle of violence driven by religious motives, frequently overlooked or even supported by the Nigerian government.

Extremist organizations such as Boko Haram, Fulani fighters, and ISIS West Africa frequently carry out attacks with little effective response from the authorities.

The absence of a reaction has fostered a climate of immunity, causing Christians to remain in ongoing danger and anxiety.

James also mentioned the arrest of Nnamdi Kanu, stating, "Religious persecution is connected to political suppression and undermining institutions in Nigeria. The arrest of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a clear instance."

In 2022, Nigeria's Appeal Court dismissed the charges against him and mandated his release.

The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has also urged for his immediate release, but he is still held in isolation with worsening health and recently had to defend himself in court.

Nigeria has indicated that the law is not mandatory and targeting Christians is acceptable. Just hours ago this morning, even though there were appeals and cries from Nigerians and many Nigerian lawmakers, Kanu was found guilty on all charges.

In reply to an inquiry regarding the possibility of extremist groups infiltrating the Nigerian government, Senior Bureau Official Jonathan Pratt from the US Department of State's Bureau of African Affairs stated, "I do not think the government of Nigeria has been taken over by jihadists."

James pushed further regarding the government's response, asking, "because when you examine the selective application of the rule of law, one could wonder if there is any bias or leniency when certain groups are specifically targeted, even though, as my colleague Moore pointed out, the rule of law isn't being enforced concerning weapons."

What has been the response from the Nigerian government following President Trump's designation of the country as one of particular concern?

Pratt responded, "They have approached the title with great seriousness. A high-level delegation is currently here."

They will meet with the highest-ranking officials from the US government this week, and we have already conveyed our concerns to the government in Abuja as well as in Washington regarding the action plan. I can confirm that the outcomes so far have been encouraging in terms of collaboration.

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