US Condemns Brutal Attacks on Christians in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa

• The United States has condemned a wave of brutal attacks on Christians in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa, calling the violence “horrific”
• The Trump administration pledged decisive action, declaring religious freedom a moral and national security priority
• A U.S. religious freedom watchdog accused the Nigerian government of failing to respond adequately to jihadist violence targeting faith communities

The United States has issued a strong condemnation of the recent surge in violent attacks targeting Christians in Nigeria and across sub-Saharan Africa, describing the incidents as “horrific” and pledging international cooperation to address the crisis.

The statement came in the wake of a deadly assault in Bindi Ta-hoss Village, where 27 Christians were reportedly massacred by Islamist Fulani militants. The Trump administration responded swiftly, with both the White House and the State Department vowing decisive action.

“The Trump administration condemns in the strongest terms this horrific violence against Christians,” the White House declared, underscoring that religious freedom remains a moral obligation and a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy.

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Religious freedom a U.S. foreign policy priority

A spokesperson for the State Department reinforced the administration’s stance in comments to Fox News, stating: “The Department of State is working closely with the White House to identify opportunities to further bring religious freedom around the world.

“Religious freedom for all people worldwide is a moral and national security imperative and a U.S. foreign policy priority.  As President Trump has stated, the United States will vigorously promote this freedom.”

The remarks reflect growing concern in Washington over escalating religious persecution in Nigeria, where Christian communities have increasingly come under attack from extremist groups.

USCIRF criticises Nigerian government’s response

In a related development, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has criticised the Nigerian government for its sluggish response to violence perpetrated by jihadist non-state actors.

In a newly released report, the independent bipartisan agency warned that religious communities in Nigeria are facing “systematic and egregious violations” of their right to practise their faith freely. The report highlighted cases of prosecution and imprisonment of individuals accused of insulting religion.

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The Commission noted that those targeted included Christians, Muslims, traditional practitioners, and humanists, painting a grim picture of religious intolerance and state inaction.

Global spotlight on Nigeria’s religious crisis

The U.S. condemnation and USCIRF’s findings have placed Nigeria’s religious freedom crisis under renewed international scrutiny. With mounting pressure from global partners, the Nigerian government may face increased calls to protect vulnerable communities and uphold constitutional guarantees of religious liberty.

The Trump administration’s vocal stance signals a broader diplomatic push to defend religious freedom worldwide, particularly in regions plagued by sectarian violence.

Killing of Christians: Nigeria lands in trouble

Legit.ng earlier five American senators have asked Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, to re-designate Nigeria as a country of particular concern (CPC).

In December 2020, the US listed Nigeria among countries blacklisted for “violating religious freedom” under the CPC designation. However, in November 2021, Nigeria was removed from the list.

Source: Legit.ng