US Launch Probe into Claims of Christian Killings in Nigeria

The United States of America is set to kick off a major review of attacks on Christians in Nigeria, following a fresh label from the US president branding the country a top spot for faith wrongs.

The House of Representatives group on African matters will hold a public session on Thursday in Washington, led by a New Jersey congressman. It will dig into the president’s move to flag Nigeria for serious breaches of religious rights, a tag that could lead to money blocks and punishments if the Senate agrees.

The gathering will hear from two sets of speakers: top US foreign office staff on African ties and human rights, plus Nigerian church figures and experts. They will cover the scale of harm to believers, ways to help those hit, and steps like targeted fines or team-ups with Nigerian security.

Nigeria first got this label in 2020 under the same US leader, but it dropped off after the next election. Now, the focus is back on reports of deadly raids by rebel bands and clashes with cattle herders that have wiped out churches, homes, and lives in the north.

A church head from the Plateau area told British lawmakers earlier this year about waves of strikes by armed herders that leave villagers homeless and priests dead. He said the attackers aim to take over land by force, even hitting camps for those already forced out.

The pope voiced his upset over the weekend, naming Nigeria among places where believers face raids on their spots of worship. He prayed for calm in trouble zones like the Democratic Republic of Congo.

One US lawmaker called the deaths shocking on a news show, pointing to figures that show far more Christians lost than others. He said his team is already checking facts with other branches of government and will report to the president soon. He pushed for America to step in as a faith-based nation, using tools like aid cuts or even army moves if needed.

Another congressman played down talk of troops, saying the goal is to end the bloodshed through money curbs that dry up cash for outlaws. He urged Nigeria’s rulers to tackle the unrest head-on.

Nigeria’s president hit back at the label as a false picture of the country’s free faith laws. He said the nation rejects any bias and works to protect all groups. Last week, he sent a top aide to a hotspot state to calm rows between farmers and herders, leading to a deal with cash paid for lost animals and promises of peace from both sides.

The session could shape US steps, from help for victims to pressure on Nigerian leaders to act faster against the violence.