Ocean County Leader

The House hearing on religious persecution in Nigeria took place in Washington, DC, on March 12, 2025. Chairman Chris Smith (R-NJ) opened the session with remarks that highlighted the ongoing violence against Christians in Nigeria and the need for urgent action.

Chairman Smith referenced testimony from Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of Makurdi, Nigeria, who described Militant Fulani herdsmen as terrorists. According to Anagbe, these groups "steal and vandalize, they kill and boast about it, they kidnap and rape, and they enjoy total impunity from the elected officials." Despite these accusations, no arrests have been made.

Smith also mentioned Archbishop Ignatius A. Kaigama's concerns over the continuous violence against Christians in Nigeria. "It is 'our prayer that something definitive will be done to stop the situation that is inhuman,'" he said.

Recalling past experiences, Smith shared his visit to Nigeria in 2013 where he met survivors of Boko Haram attacks. He recounted the story of Habila Adamu, an evangelical believer who survived a brutal attack after refusing to renounce his faith.

Recent reports by The Pillar highlighted ongoing kidnappings and murders targeting priests and pastoral agents in Nigeria. Bishop Julius Kundi expressed "deep sorrow and righteous indignation" over these incidents.

Despite previous efforts by President Trump to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), this designation was reversed by Secretary Blinken in November 2021. Religious leaders like Bishop Mamza have criticized this decision, stating Christian persecution is "more intense than ever."

Genocide Watch has labeled Nigeria "a killing field of defenseless Christians," yet the Nigerian government has made little progress against religiously motivated persecution despite constitutional protections for religious freedom.

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has repeatedly recommended redesignating Nigeria as a CPC since 2021 but has seen no action from the State Department. Former Secretary of State Anthony Blinken offered condolences following targeted killings by radical Fulani terrorists but did not take further steps.

Chairman Smith emphasized that ongoing attacks are based on religion and called for justice for victims of what he termed "religious cleansing." Last year, the House Foreign Affairs Committee adopted a resolution urging the Biden Administration to redesignate Nigeria as a CPC.

Smith reintroduced this resolution recently and urged prompt assistance for persecuted communities. He cited reports indicating massive destruction of churches and displacement of millions due to Islamist militant attacks since 2009.

He concluded by stressing that protection of religious freedoms should be central to U.S.-Nigeria relations. He expressed hope for collaboration with the administration on these issues while awaiting the release of the 2025 International Religious Freedom report.

Smith affirmed Congress's commitment to seeking justice for victims of religious persecution: "We will not be silent while our brothers and sisters are slaughtered."