US Calls For Urgent Action Over Persecution & Killings Of Christians In Nigeria

The Rising Tide of Intolerance: How Nigeria’s Religious Violence Demands Global Response

US Calls For Urgent Action Of Persecution & Killings Of Christians In Nigeria

The issue of religious persecution in Nigeria has recently caught the attention of the United States House of Representatives, particularly Christopher Smith, a prominent member. Concerned about the increasing incidents of violence and discrimination based on religious beliefs, Smith has taken a bold step by urging the US Department of State to consider labeling Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern.’

In a statement that resonated across the parliament floors on December 12, Smith highlighted alarming statistics that position Nigeria at the forefront of religious persecution cases globally. An astonishing 90% of global religiously motivated killings reportedly occurred in Nigeria, marking a significant and worrying trend.

Smith drew attention to the brutal attacks predominantly carried out by Fulani Muslim herders, often resulting in the deaths, kidnappings, and wrongful imprisonment of numerous individuals. This violence, Smith notes, is not just the work of extremists but is also enabled by certain state laws that effectively sanction religious discrimination and persecution.

The letter further detailed disturbing accounts of the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, who are disproportionately affected. Reports from organizations like Open Doors reveal that over 5,000 Nigerian Christians were killed for their faith in 2022 alone. This violence extends to religious leaders across denominations, including Catholic priests, evangelical pastors, and even bishops, who have become frequent targets for kidnapping and violence.

Moreover, Smith highlighted the role of the Nigerian authorities in perpetuating this persecution, particularly through the enforcement of Islamic blasphemy and religious insult laws. These laws have led to extreme sentences, including death, for individuals like Yahaya Sharif-Aminu, a Sufi musician, and lengthy prison terms for others like Mubarak Bala of the Nigerian Humanist Association.

The repercussions of Nigeria’s religious persecution are not just limited to the country. Given Nigeria’s status as Africa’s most populous nation and its largest economy, the continuation of these practices poses a threat to regional stability and security. Smith expressed his concerns that the unchecked proliferation of religious persecution within Nigeria’s borders could have far-reaching consequences, influencing neighboring countries and exacerbating regional insecurity.

Smith’s call to action is a reminder of the need for international scrutiny and intervention to address the grave situation of religious persecution in Nigeria. It underscores the importance of upholding the principles of religious freedom and human rights, not just within Nigeria but globally. The US, through its influence and commitment to promoting religious freedom, as outlined in the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, is urged to take decisive steps in responding to this escalating crisis.

His impassioned plea to the US Department of State is not just a cry for help; it’s a wake-up call to the international community about the dire situation in Nigeria. The fact that such a significant percentage of global religious persecution occurs in just one country is not only alarming but also deeply saddening. It paints a picture of a nation where fear and intolerance overshadow the principles of religious freedom and human rights.

This situation in Nigeria is more than just numbers and statistics; it’s about real people whose lives are being torn apart because of their faith. Imagine living in constant fear, where going to your place of worship could mean facing violence or even death. This is the stark reality for many in Nigeria, where religious identity has become a target for violence.

The specific targeting of religious leaders is particularly concerning. These are individuals who are supposed to provide spiritual guidance and support to their communities, yet they find themselves at the forefront of this crisis. The kidnapping of clergy is not just an act of violence; it’s an attack on the moral and spiritual fabric of the society.

The role of the Nigerian authorities in this crisis cannot be overlooked. The enforcement of laws that effectively criminalize religious expression is a glaring violation of fundamental human rights. It’s shocking to think that in this day and age, people are still being sentenced to death or long prison terms simply for expressing their beliefs.

His call for action is a reminder that the international community cannot remain silent in the face of such injustice. Nigeria’s influence in Africa means that what happens there can set a precedent for the rest of the continent. If religious persecution is allowed to continue unchecked in Nigeria, it sends a dangerous message to other countries that such practices are acceptable.

The need for a special envoy for Nigeria and the Lake Chad Region, as suggested by Smith, is a step towards ensuring focused attention on this issue. Such a position would enable a more coordinated and effective response to the crisis, ensuring that the voices of the persecuted are heard and that meaningful action is taken to address their plight.

Smith’s call is not just about Nigeria; it’s about standing up for what’s right. It’s about showing that the world will not tolerate religious persecution and that every effort will be made to protect the right to freedom of belief and expression. As global citizens, it’s our collective responsibility to ensure that these fundamental rights are upheld, not just in Nigeria, but everywhere.