US Lawmakers Decry Persistent Violence Against Nigerian Christians
The United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack on a Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, describing it as representative of the harsh reality facing Nigerian Christians. The committee's statement came in response to a video capturing the violent assault that occurred while church service was ongoing.
The US Reps committee expressed deep concern that Nigerian Christians have been subjected to slaughter for an extended period without adequate international attention. In a post shared on the social media platform X, the committee stated: "President Trump is right: For far too long, innocent Nigerian Christians have been slaughtered while the world looks away. In fact, just this week, terrorists attacked a church, killing and kidnapping innocent Christians. This is the reality they face in the region."
High-Level Meeting Between US and Nigerian Officials
The committee's strong position emerged hours after US Congressman Riley M. Moore conducted a significant meeting with a high-ranking Nigerian delegation. The Nigerian team included prominent figures such as National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi.
Other crucial participants from the Nigerian side included Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, Chief of Defence Intelligence Lt. Gen. EAP Undiendeye, and Special Adviser to ONSA Ms. Idayat Hassan. The meeting provided a platform for comprehensive discussions about the ongoing persecution of Christians and continuing terrorist threats across Nigeria.
The dialogue focused on identifying opportunities for enhanced cooperation and coordination between the United States and Nigeria to end the bloodshed. During the exchanges, Nigerian officials openly shared their government's challenges and concerns regarding multiple security issues, including counterterrorism efforts, security assistance requirements, protection of vulnerable communities, and the broader problem of violence affecting various regions of Nigeria.
US Stance on Religious Persecution in Nigeria
Congressman Moore delivered a clear message during the meeting, emphasizing that the United States stands prepared to coordinate and cooperate with Nigeria in addressing these critical security challenges. He reinforced President Trump's position that the United States will not tolerate continued violence against Christians or other forms of religious persecution.
"Today, I had a frank, honest, and productive discussion with senior members of the Nigerian government regarding the horrific violence and persecution Christians face and the ongoing threat terrorism poses across Nigeria," Moore stated. "I made it crystal clear that the United States must see tangible steps to ensure that Christians are not subject to violence, persecution, displacement, and death simply for believing in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."
The Congressman committed to monitoring new developments closely and continuing to encourage the Nigerian government to accept American cooperation to stop the ongoing persecution and violence against Christians. He also emphasized the importance of combating the threat that terrorist groups pose to the broader Nigerian population.
Moore further elaborated: "We stand ready to work cooperatively with the Nigerians to help their nation combat the terrorism perpetrated by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Fulani militants against their population, specifically Christians in the Northeast and Middle Belt regions of Nigeria. The Nigerian government has the chance to strengthen and deepen its relationship with the United States."
The meeting between US and Nigerian officials occurred shortly after President Trump designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, highlighting the seriousness with which the United States views the religious freedom situation in the country. This designation underscores the urgent need for concrete actions to protect religious minorities and address the security challenges threatening Nigeria's stability.
