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US Lawmakers Challenge Nigeria’s Stance as Washington Intensifies Probe Into Alleged Christian Killings
US Lawmakers Challenge Nigeria’s Stance as Washington Intensifies Probe Into Alleged Christian Killings
A major dispute over alleged mass killings of Christians in Nigeria has re-emerged in Washington, where senior members of the United States Congress have again dismissed the Federal Government’s position, insisting that recent patterns of violence reflect clear religious persecution.
At a joint briefing of the House Appropriations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee, lawmakers reviewed fresh intelligence on Nigeria’s insecurity and concluded that the situation demands urgent international attention. The session formed part of a wider congressional investigation ordered by former US President Donald Trump, who directed legislators to produce a detailed report on the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria and recommend decisive US actions.
House Appropriations Vice Chair Mario Díaz-Balart, who presided over the meeting, said evidence presented so far reveals troubling gaps in Nigeria’s security response. He confirmed that the forthcoming report would guide possible diplomatic and security measures by the US government.
One of the strongest warnings came from Vicky Hartzler, Chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). She described religious freedom in Nigeria as “under siege,” citing incidents where radical extremists “kill entire Christian villages and burn churches,” alongside a surge in abductions and rural attacks. Hartzler stated that Christians are targeted “at a 2.2 to 1 rate” compared to Muslims, calling the violence widespread, brutal and heavily directed at Christian communities.
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While noting recent steps by the Nigerian government — including President Bola Tinubu’s withdrawal of about 100,000 police officers from VIP protection — she warned that the country was entering a “coordinated and deeply troubling period of escalated violence.” She urged tougher sanctions on Nigerian officials accused of complicity, stricter conditions on US aid to Nigeria, and a Government Accountability Office review.
Dr. Ebenezer Obadare of the Council on Foreign Relations challenged claims that extremists attack Muslims and Christians equally, calling it a “myth.” He argued that groups such as Boko Haram act solely based on religious motivation, and described the Nigerian military as “too corrupt and incompetent” to dismantle extremist networks without external pressure. He also urged the disbandment of armed groups enforcing Islamic law in rural areas and stronger responses to early warning signals.
Sean Nelson of ADF International told lawmakers that Nigeria had become “the deadliest country in the world for Christians,” with more Christian deaths recorded there than in all other countries combined. He added that extremists also target Muslims who refuse to embrace their ideology. Nelson called for strict monitoring of aid utilisation, improved transparency in ransom payments, and better coordination during mass-kidnapping rescues.
Díaz-Balart criticised the Biden administration’s 2021 removal of Nigeria from the list of “countries of particular concern”, insisting the move had “clearly deadly consequences.” He assured that Congress would intensify oversight as Trump’s mandated report nears completion.
Despite repeated inquiries, the Nigerian Embassy in Washington did not issue any response at the time of filing this report.
US Lawmakers Challenge Nigeria’s Stance as Washington Intensifies Probe Into Alleged Christian Killings
News
UCL: Arsenal ease into last eight as PSG humiliate Chelsea, Madrid dump Man City
UCL: Arsenal ease into last eight as PSG humiliate Chelsea, Madrid dump Man City
Arsenal booked their place in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals with a composed 2-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in Tuesday’s round of 16 second-leg clash.
Mikel Arteta’s side, widely tipped among this season’s contenders, delivered a disciplined performance, with Eberechi Eze and Declan Rice finding the net to seal progression.
After an evenly contested opening, Eze broke the deadlock just before halftime, rifling a superb half-volley into the top corner to hand the hosts the advantage. Rice then put the tie beyond doubt in the 64th minute, finishing calmly from the edge of the box for his first goal of the campaign in Europe.
The victory saw Arsenal overcome a German opponent in European competition for the first time in six attempts, while also securing a third consecutive quarter-final appearance.
They will next face Sporting CP, who staged a remarkable comeback to overturn a first-leg deficit against Bodo/Glimt with a 5-0 rout in Lisbon.
At Stamford Bridge, Paris Saint-Germain delivered a ruthless display, thrashing Chelsea 3-0 to complete an emphatic 8-2 aggregate victory. Goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Bradley Barcola and Senny Mayulu underlined PSG’s dominance.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid continued their European pedigree with a 2-1 win over 10-man Manchester City, sealing a comprehensive 5-1 aggregate triumph. It marks the second straight season the Spanish giants have eliminated City from the competition.
Results:
Arsenal 2-0 Bayer Leverkusen (Arsenal advance 3-1 on aggregate)
Chelsea 0-3 Paris Saint-Germain (PSG advance 8-2 on aggregate)
Sporting Lisbon 5-0 Bodo/Glimt (Sporting advance 5-3 on aggregate)
Manchester City 1-2 Real Madrid (Real Madrid advance 5-1 on aggregate)
News
Obasanjo, Jonathan, Shettima witness Soludo’s second-term inauguration
Obasanjo, Jonathan, and Shettima Witness Soludo’s Second-Term Inauguration
AWKA – Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has officially commenced his second term as the Governor of Anambra State following a high-profile swearing-in ceremony at Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square.
The event, which drew a diverse crowd of local and international dignitaries, reached its peak at 11:50 am when Soludo took the oath of allegiance. Accompanied by his wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Nonye Soludo, the Governor signed the official documents before the State Chief Judge at 11:55 am, signaling the formal start of an administration set to run until 2026.
A Gathering of Giants
The inauguration was a “who’s who” of Nigerian leadership and tradition. Among the prominent figures in attendance were:
* Federal Representation: Vice President Kashim Shettima.
* Former Heads of State: Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.
* Diplomatic & Traditional Leaders: Former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
With the formalities concluded, Soludo enters his final four-year stretch, carrying the mandate of the Anambra people through to 2030.
News
“No Place to Hide”: Tinubu dispatches security chiefs to Maiduguri after deadly blasts
“No Place to Hide”: Tinubu dispatches security chiefs to Maiduguri after deadly blasts
ABUJA – President Bola Tinubu has ordered Nigeria’s top security chiefs to immediately relocate to Maiduguri, Borno State, following a series of devastating bomb blasts that claimed at least 23 lives.
The President characterized the attacks as “desperate and frantic” acts of terror, staged by criminals reeling from the sustained pressure of military operations.
In a stern warning issued on Tuesday, Tinubu declared that there is “no place in Nigeria where terrorists will find safety,” promising that the perpetrators will be tracked, confronted, and “completely defeated.”
Immediate Federal Response
The Presidency has outlined a multi-pronged strategy to stabilize the region and support the victims:
* Command Shift: Security chiefs are now required to take direct charge of operations on the ground in Maiduguri.
* Medical Emergency: Emergency management agencies have been mandated to provide comprehensive care for the injured.
* Reinforcements: The President highlighted recent approvals for additional military equipment and operational support to bolster troop capabilities.
Honouring the Frontline
Despite the tragedy, President Tinubu praised the “courage and fighting spirit” of Nigerian troops, who successfully repelled coordinated attacks on military positions within the state. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to intensifying efforts against criminal elements nationwide, ensuring that security forces remain equipped to dismantle terror networks.
“We will continue to intensify our efforts against all criminal elements, wherever they may be.” — President Bola Tinubu
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