Prominent Christian leaders in the United States are urging President Donald Trump to address the deadly persecution of Christians in Nigeria. This call comes amid reports of over 7,000 Christians being massacred in just the first seven months of this year.
Violence Against Christians in Nigeria
The Middle Belt region of Nigeria has seen violent assaults by militant Fulani Muslim herdsmen against Christian communities. This region continues to face grave threats, despite government forces battling Boko Haram and other Islamist groups.
Alarming Statistics
- Since 2009, over 18,000 churches have been destroyed.
- An estimated 50,000 Christians have been killed.
- Approximately 5 million people have been displaced due to the violence.
International Response and U.S. Policy
Under the International Religious Freedom Act, countries must be designated as a “Country of Particular Concern” if they tolerate severe religious freedom violations. During his first term, former President Trump had Nigeria listed as such.
Reversals and Legislative Actions
In 2021, the Biden administration reversed Trump’s decision, attributing the violence to climate change rather than religious persecution. In response, Senator Ted Cruz and Representative Chris Smith have introduced a bill to mandate the reinstatement of Nigeria’s designation. This would also impose sanctions on Nigerian officials complicit in the attacks.
The Role of the U.S.
While it is not the responsibility of the United States to rectify all international issues, significant attention must be given to the persistent atrocities faced by Nigerian Christians. The U.S. can, at the very least, strongly condemn these human rights violations and take decisive actions to promote religious freedom globally.