U.S. Rep. Chris Smith held a congressional hearing focused on religious freedom violations in Nigeria, urging its redesignation as a Country of Particular Concern. Expert testimonies revealed systemic violence against Christians by militant groups, with a call for renewed international attention and action. The hearing emphasized the urgent need for support for Nigeria’s persecuted Christian community amid increasing brutality and displacement.
U.S. Representative Chris Smith, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, convened a congressional hearing to address the persistent violations of religious freedom in Nigeria. He, along with expert witnesses, urged Secretary Marco Rubio to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern. This designation was previously utilized by the Trump administration to support persecuted Christians in Nigeria.
During the hearing, Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of the diocese of Makurdi testified regarding the actions of militant Fulani herdsmen, stating, They kill and boast about it, they kidnap and rape, and they enjoy total impunity from the elected officials. Chairman Smith highlighted the historical context, noting that in December 2020, President Trump had designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, only for this to be reversed by Secretary Blinken in November 2021, a decision that sparked outrage among Nigerian religious leaders.
Expressing concern over the Nigerian government’s inaction in addressing religiously motivated persecution, Smith referred to Genocide Watch’s assessment of Nigeria as a killing field of defenseless Christians. Reports indicate that over 52,000 Christians have been killed by Islamist extremists since 2009, while about five million Nigerians, predominantly Christians, have been displaced due to violence.
Last year, the House Foreign Affairs Committee adopted a resolution calling for the redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern. Though it was passed in committee, it was not presented to the House floor. On March 11, 2025, Smith reintroduced the legislation, now designated as H.Res. 220.
In his remarks, Smith expressed confidence that President Trump would again designate Nigeria as a CPC, emphasizing the urgent need for assistance to the persecuted church and outreach to President Bola Tinubu. He stated, Help can’t come fast enough.
The hearing featured testimonies from notable figures, including Nina Shea from the Hudson Institute and Tony Perkins from the Family Research Council. Bishop Anagbe provided an unsettling account of a long-term Islamic strategy aimed at erasing the Christian identity in Nigeria, detailing ongoing violence against Christians.
Director Shea categorized Nigeria as the world’s deadliest country for Christians, identifying the militant Fulani Muslim herders as posing significant threats in farming areas. Perkins reiterated the overlooked violent incidents in Nigeria, emphasizing that Christians remain primary targets of terrorism and brutal acts, including murders and kidnappings.
The congressional hearing led by U.S. Representative Chris Smith underscores the persistent challenges of religious freedom in Nigeria. The testimonies provided highlight the severe persecution faced by Christians and the failure of the Nigerian government to take decisive action against such violence. The appeal for the redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern reflects urgent calls for international support and accountability regarding human rights violations.
Original Source: anglican.ink
