The United States House of Representatives Sub‑committee has urged Nigeria to intensify efforts against insecurity and stop what lawmakers described as Christian genocide.
The hearing, held yesterday in Washington, also stressed that genocide of any kind must be prevented globally.
It coincided with a meeting between Congressman Riley Moore and a Nigerian government delegation led by National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, alongside senior security and intelligence chiefs.
Chairman of the sub‑committee, Rep. Chris Smith, said religious freedom must be proven in practice. “Nigerian government must prosecute bandits who are killing Christians and responsible for kidnapping,” he declared.
Jacob McGee and Jonathan Pratt of the U.S. State Department said Nigeria must strengthen religious freedom to secure lives and property. They noted that thousands of Christians have been killed in the country over the past two years.
Pratt added: “Lives and properties of Nigerian citizens should be well secured irrespective of the location they reside in.”
Rep. Jacob warned: “Nigeria is facing its difficult challenges in securing lives and properties and that calls for security intervention. Recent killings and kidnappings in Kebbi State show the level of insecurity. Few months back, over two hundred people were killed and lots of properties vandalized.”
Oge Onubogu, Director and Senior Fellow of the Africa Programme, said Nigeria must do more to check killings. She cautioned against reducing insecurity solely to genocidal narratives, stressing that multiple issues are intertwined.
Bishop: “Nigeria Has Become the Deadliest Place”
Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, who had earlier testified before Congress, said: “Nigeria has become the deadliest place on earth to be a Christian. Attacks by Fulani militants and Boko Haram have intensified, targeting Christian communities with impunity. More believers are killed there annually than in the rest of the world combined, yet perpetrators face little accountability.”
“Nigeria Has Become the Deadliest Place on Earth to Be a Christian” – Bishop Wilfred Anagbe
— ARISE NEWS (@ARISEtv) November 20, 2025
Attacks by Fulani militants and Boko Haram have intensified, targeting Christian communities with impunity. More believers are killed there annually than in the rest of the world… pic.twitter.com/1dc0BJAS9y
He warned that violence is spreading, displacing millions and destroying farmland, creating a humanitarian crisis worsened by food insecurity.
“Without urgent intervention, Christianity risks being wiped out in Northern and Middle Belt Nigeria. Nigeria, already designated a Country of Particular Concern, must now be met with decisive action,” he said.
A Victim Tells Her Gruesome Story
In one of the most heartbreaking attacks on the Yelwata community in Benue, a survivor testified virtually to the congressional subcommittee of her ordeal, recounting how she witnessed the slaughtering of her five children during the attack.
Msurshima Apeh testified on Thursday, November 20, how armed men stormed the camp where hundreds of displaced families were sleeping and attacked them
“By 9 p.m., as we slept, the Fulani terrorists attacked us. We were locked inside the Yelwata camp, and they were butchering people with cutlasses and shooting,” she said.
She added that after the assault, the attackers doused the building with petrol and set it ablaze.
Apeh recalled how she climbed a tree to hide while her children cried below, moments before they were killed.
“I saw a tree when I lifted my eyes. I climbed up and hid myself. My five children were crying beneath me, and I watched as the terrorists slaughtered them,” she said.
She eventually fled into the bush before rescue workers found her and moved her to safety.
“I ran into the bush, and those who came for rescue later brought me out. I witnessed everything. When help arrived, we were relocated to a new camp,” she explained.
The Yelwata attack took place in June 2025 in the Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
Estimates placed the death toll between 100 and 200 people, while more than 3,000 residents were displaced, many later resettled in camps across Nasarawa State.
Riley Meets Ribadu, Security Chiefs
Congressman Riley Moore disclosed via her X handle that she met Ribadu and senior Nigerian officials in Washington to discuss escalating persecution of Christians and terrorism threats.
She described the talks as “frank, honest, and productive,” focusing on counterterrorism, security assistance, and protection of vulnerable communities.
The Nigerian delegation included Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede, and Chief of Defence Intelligence Lt. Gen. E. Undiendeye.
Riley said: “I made it crystal clear that the United States must see tangible steps to ensure that Christians are not subjected to violence, persecution, displacement, and death simply for believing in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
She added: “We stand ready to work cooperatively with the Nigerians to help their nation combat the terrorism perpetrated by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Fulani militants against their population, specifically Christians in the North East and Middle Belt regions.”
Call for Cooperation
Emphasising urgency, Riley warned that religious violence cannot continue unchecked.
“The Nigerian government has the chance to strengthen and deepen its relationship with the United States. President Trump and Congress are united and serious in our resolve to end the violence against Christians and disrupt and destroy terrorist groups within Nigeria. I urge the Nigerians to work with us in cooperation and coordination on this critical issue,” she said.
Nigerian officials reportedly outlined challenges in protecting civilians, combating terrorism, and coordinating with international partners.
Riley said the U.S. would monitor developments closely and expects Nigeria to accept offers of cooperation to fight militant groups and end ongoing bloodshed.
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