Washington, Feb 24 (.) Nigeria has been identified as the deadliest country in the world to be a Christian, according to a report submitted to the White House by US lawmakers, highlighting decades of violent attacks on Christian communities.
The report, produced by Congressman Riley Moore and the House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs, cites assaults by well-armed Fulani militias and terrorist groups, which have killed tens of thousands of Christians, including pastors and priests, and destroyed thousands of churches and schools. “Nigeria na di deadliest place in di world to be a Christian,” the report said.
The House Foreign Affairs Committee commended President Donald Trump for redesignating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) to hold perpetrators accountable and pressure the Nigerian government to protect vulnerable communities. The report emphasizes the need for a bilateral US-Nigeria agreement to safeguard Christian populations, expand counter-terrorism cooperation, and enhance economic and security collaboration.
The President called on Congressman Riley Moore, Chairman Tom Cole, and the House Appropriations Committee to investigate and produce a report on the persecution and slaughter of Nigerian Christians.
Recommendations include co-funding humanitarian aid through faith-based organizations, strengthening Nigerian security forces, implementing demobilization and disarmament programs for Fulani militias, and using US leverage to ensure accountability. The report also calls for repealing anti-blasphemy laws, imposing sanctions on perpetrators, and involving international partners in combating sectarian violence.
Congressional leaders said the US will not turn a blind eye to religious persecution. “This report shows the unrelenting plight Christians have faced for years in Nigeria. America is paying more attention and leading with strength to protect religious freedom throughout the globe,” the report noted.
Although the Government of Nigeria is a key partner for the United States, such a government must demonstrate the political will, including by allocating their own financial resources, to immediately reduce and then eliminate the violence. The United States and Nigeria should take this moment to redefine a new strategic partnership to make America – and Nigeria – safer, stronger, and more prosperous.
The recommendations mark a push to redefine US-Nigeria relations and ensure long-term protection for persecuted communities, while addressing broader regional security and geopolitical challenges.
Congressional leaders recommended to strike a bilateral agreement between the United States and the Government of Nigeria to protect vulnerable Christian communities from violent persecution, eliminate jihadist terror activity in the region, further economic cooperation, and counter adversaries in the region, including the Chinese Communist Party and Russian Federation.
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