Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee, called on Apr. 1 for the Nigerian government to take urgent steps to protect Christian communities following deadly attacks in Nigeria’s Plateau State during Holy Week.
Smith said the violence against Christians in Nigeria is a cause for concern as they observe Holy Week and approach Easter Sunday, emphasizing the need for increased security and accountability from Nigerian authorities. The recent attacks reportedly left at least 20 people dead in Jos North on Palm Sunday.
“As Christians in Nigeria observe Holy Week and approach Easter Sunday, a time of profound spiritual reflection and celebration, I urge the Government of Nigeria to take immediate and concrete steps to ensure the safety and security of all Christian communities in the country. This includes deploying adequate security forces and holding perpetrators to account,” Smith said.
He also stated: “The Nigerian government has a fundamental responsibility—and constitutional duty—to protect all its citizens, regardless of their faith. The continued failure to prevent and intercept these targeted attacks not only deepens human suffering, but also threatens the fabric of religious coexistence in the region.”
Smith described his reaction with his wife Marie: “My wife, Marie, and I were absolutely horrified by the brutal massacres that occurred in the Jos North area of Nigeria on Palm Sunday, which have reportedly left at least 20 innocent people dead. These savage killings, targeting Christians as they gathered during one of the most sacred times of the year, are incredibly heartbreaking and absolutely unacceptable.”
According to Smith’s statement, similar violence occurred last year on Palm Sunday when at least 54 Christians were killed in Plateau State.
“The United States must continue to stand in solidarity with persecuted Christians and all other victims of religious violence in Nigeria,” he said. “I call on Nigerian authorities to act swiftly to prevent further bloodshed and ensure that this Holy Week is not marred by more tragedy.”
Smith has represented New Jersey’s 4th district since replacing Frank Thompson in Congress in 1981 according to public records. He was born in Rahway, New Jersey in 1953; now aged 70 years old he resides with his family in Manchester Township as reported by biographical sources. He graduated from The College of New Jersey with a Bachelor’s degree earned in 1975.
