Abuja– The United States Congress has authorized President Donald Trump to impose severe sanctions on Nigeria. Reports indicate that Nigerians account for 90% of Christians killed worldwide each year.
Congressional Action
Chris Smith, Chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, announced the decision. This followed a congressional hearing on the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. Smith criticized the Nigerian government for its failure to protect Christians. The Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa reported over 55,000 killings and 21,000 abductions linked to religious violence between 2019 and 2023.
Smith urged Trump to take decisive action. He reintroduced a resolution. This resolution calls for Nigeria’s redesignation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). It also raises the possibility of sanctions if the violence persists.
Testimony and Next Steps.
Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of Makurdi gave testimony at the hearing. He described militant Fulani herdsmen as terrorists. The decision allows the imposition of Sanctions. It is a big step in the US response to Christian Persecution.
