By Muhammad Mamman
The United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs has described Nigeria as “one of the most dangerous places on earth to follow Christ,” raising renewed concerns over the country’s escalating religious-related attacks and the growing vulnerability of Christian communities.
The Committee’s remarks were contained in a recent briefing on global religious freedom, where lawmakers cited persistent violence, recurring abductions, and deadly assaults by extremist groups and armed militias across several Nigerian states. According to the Committee, the Nigerian government has not taken sufficient, decisive action to curb the threats faced by Christians and other vulnerable groups.
Members of the Committee warned that the level of insecurity—particularly in the North-East, North-West, and parts of the Middle Belt—continues to worsen, with attacks on churches, clergy, and worshippers becoming disturbingly frequent.
Human rights groups were also referenced in the briefing, noting that hundreds of Nigerians have been killed or displaced in religiously motivated violence in recent years. The Committee urged the US government to intensify diplomatic engagement with Abuja and consider additional measures aimed at supporting Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and sectarian extremism.
The statement is expected to trigger wide-ranging reactions, especially as Nigeria continues to battle complex security challenges that span terrorism, banditry, rural violence, and communal tensions.
So far, the Nigerian government has not issued an official response to the Committee’s latest classification.
