US lawmakers open hearing on genocide in Nigeria

US Lawmakers Open Hearing on Genocide, Religious Persecution in Nigeria

Reported by Sele Media Africa |Ihuoma Amarachi

WASHINGTON, D.C. —*The United States House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa on Thursday held a public hearing to examine growing concerns over alleged religious persecution and acts of genocide in Nigeria. The session comes amid renewed calls by former President Donald Trumpfor Nigeria to be redesignated as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC)— a classification for nations involved in or tolerating severe violations of religious freedom.

Why the Hearing Matters

The CPC designation, under the U.S. International Religious Freedom Act, can lead to diplomatic and economic consequences, including sanctions. Nigeria was placed on the list in 2020 under the Trump administration but was delisted in 2021by the Biden administration — a decision widely criticized by religious freedom advocates. (Source: [Christian Post](https://www.christianpost.com/news/trump-calls-for-us-to-label-nigeria-as-country-of-particular-concern.html))

At Thursday’s hearing, lawmakers heard testimonies from rights advocates, Nigerian diaspora leaders, and policy experts detailing targeted killings, attacks on churches, and mass abductions particularly in the Middle Belt and northern states. (Source: [House Foreign Affairs Committee](https://foreignaffairs.house.gov))

Key Highlights –

Witnesses accused both state and non-state actorsin Nigeria of failing to protect vulnerable communities, especially Christians and ethnic minorities. – Lawmakers called for stronger U.S. diplomatic pressure, including sanctions and conditional aid, to compel Nigeria’s government to act. – Some members of the subcommittee proposed resurrecting stalled billsthat would increase monitoring and accountability mechanisms for U.S. foreign aid to Nigeria. Nigerian Government Response While the Nigerian government has repeatedly denied the allegations of religious persecution, critics argue that inaction and poor security coordination have enabled terrorist groups, bandits, and extremist militiasto continue their assaults on civilians.- Witnesses included Nigerian diaspora leaders, religious freedom advocates, and policy experts who detailed patterns of mass killings, church attacks, and abductions, especially in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and northern regions. – Lawmakers expressed concern over what they described as systemic inaction by Nigerian authorities, and proposed that the U.S. reimpose the CPC status. – Calls were made to tie U.S. foreign aid*to Nigeria’s commitment to protect religious minorities and prosecute extremist violence. Trump’s Position Former President Trump recently reignited the conversation by urging the U.S. to reclassify Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern during an address to faith leaders in October 2025. He described Nigeria as one of the world’s “deadliest places for Christians”.

Nigerian Government’s Stance

The Nigerian government has consistently denied claims of religious genocide, insisting that insecurity affects all Nigerians regardless of religion. However, international observers argue that lack of decisive action, especially against terrorist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP, has worsened the situation.What to Watch – Whether the U.S. State Department will re-designate Nigeria as a CPC in its next religious freedom report. – The possibility of targeted sanctions or restrictions on U.S. aid if Nigeria fails to act on human rights concerns. – Increased advocacy and lobbying from diaspora and human rights groups in the coming months.Citations:(Source: [Christian Post](https://www.christianpost.com/news/trump-calls-for-us-to-label-nigeria-as-country-of-particular-concern.html))(Source: [House Foreign Affairs Committee](https://foreignaffairs.house.gov))Source: [Christian Post](https://www.christianpost.com/news/trump-calls-for-us-to-label-nigeria-as-country-of-particular-concern.html))(Source: [BBC Africa](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-53450850))

About The Author

Ihuoma Amarachi Grace

author

Ihuoma Amarachi Grace is a journalist with Sele Media Africa, committed to telling authentic African stories with depth and creativity. A Christian and a student of English and Literary Studies, she blends her love for writing with the art of spoken word to inspire and inform. Her voice adds a thoughtful and artistic dimension to Sele Media’s mission of amplifying unheard voices across the continent.

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