SNOW TV NEWS DESK
The United States has expressed renewed concern over persistent violence against Christian communities in Nigeria, warning that attacks, killings, and kidnappings have continued despite diplomatic pressure and efforts by the Nigerian government to address religious insecurity.
The concerns were raised on Thursday, November 12, during a US congressional hearing examining Nigeria’s response to religious violence one year after President Donald Trump redesignated the country as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over religious freedom violations.
Chris Smith, chairman of the US House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, described the designation as a wake-up call for Nigeria, insisting that the government must do more to protect vulnerable religious communities.
He specifically called for stronger action against armed groups, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), which have been responsible for attacks in different parts of the country.
Representing the US State Department, Riley Barnes, who oversees democracy, human rights, and labor issues, acknowledged that Nigerian authorities had taken steps to tackle the crisis. However, he said those efforts had not translated into improved security for Christian communities, particularly in the Middle Belt.
“There are still rising death tolls and kidnappings. So, I think we have this posture of trust but verify,” Barnes told lawmakers.
Another State Department official, Frank Garcia, responsible for African affairs, said Washington had maintained engagement with Nigerian authorities on protecting Christian communities and ensuring that perpetrators of violence face justice.
However, he acknowledged that attacks had continued despite those diplomatic efforts.
Republican Representative Riley Moore took a harder position, arguing that Nigeria had not made sufficient progress to justify removing the CPC designation.
“We cannot take this CPC designation off this country. They have not done enough,” Moore said.
He also called for closer monitoring of Nigeria ahead of its next presidential election, suggesting that religious freedom and the protection of vulnerable communities should remain important considerations in Washington’s relationship with Abuja.
The latest congressional intervention could increase diplomatic pressure on President Bola Tinubu’s administration, particularly as Nigeria continues to battle insurgency, banditry, communal violence, and widespread insecurity.
However, the country’s security crisis is complex. While attacks against Christian communities remain a serious concern, armed violence in Nigeria has also affected Muslim communities, particularly in the northern states. Criminal gangs, insurgents, and communal militias operate across different regions, making effective protection a major national challenge.
For Nigeria, the concern goes beyond maintaining a favorable relationship with Washington. Persistent killings and kidnappings raise fundamental questions about the government’s ability to protect citizens regardless of their religious identity.
One year after the CPC designation, US officials are signalling that diplomatic assurances alone are no longer enough. They want measurable improvements in security, accountability, and the protection of religious freedom.
“Sir Bartholomew White Ebe is a Lagos-based media personality, Music Artist, Producer, and a Relationship Coach and independent journalist. With over seven years of experience tracking political developments and cultural shifts in Nigeria, he specializes in local current affairs, grassroots politics, and community-driven reporting across Lagos State. As the founder and chief editor of Snow Multimedia Connect {SNOW TV}, he leads the editorial team to deliver verified, high-impact stories to digital audiences.”
Email: snowmediaconnect@gmail.com
