Tensions between Nigeria and the United States have escalated following accusations by Washington that the Nigerian government is failing to prevent the mass killing of Christians.
The US has threatened sanctions over what it terms “genocidal violence” targeting Christian communities in Nigeria.
However, the Nigerian government strongly rejects these claims, arguing that the allegations are politically motivated and based on manipulated data.
The controversy centers around a bill introduced in the US Senate on September 11, 2025, by Republican Senator Ted Cruz. The Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025 would reclassify Nigeria as a “Country of Concern” regarding religious freedom, imposing sanctions on Nigerian officials. The bill specifically cites the deadly attacks on Christian communities in the northern regions, where more than 7,000 Christians are reported to have been killed since the beginning of 2025 alone.
In response, Nigerian authorities have gone on the diplomatic offensive. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning the allegations, claiming that they are “false and exaggerated.” Foreign Minister Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar called the accusations “a distortion of facts,” highlighting that a comprehensive study of the situation, led by the Nigerian government, found no evidence of systematic genocide.
Furthermore, Nigerian presidential adviser Daniel Bwala suggested that the accusations were tied to Nigeria’s support for the Palestinian cause at the UN General Assembly. According to Bwala, the timing of the allegations is indicative of an attempt by certain Western powers to undermine Nigeria’s political stance.
At the heart of the controversy is the divided position of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which represents millions of Nigerian Christians. The organization’s response has been conflicting, with some leaders downplaying the severity of the attacks, while others are more outspoken. CAN’s Director of National Affairs, Abimbola Ayuba, initially stated that the killings in Nigeria “have no fixed pattern,” affecting both Christians and Muslims across different regions.
However, a statement issued by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the president of CAN, on October 8, sharply diverged from this stance. The Archbishop acknowledged the widespread violence against Christian communities, stating that “many Christian communities in parts of Nigeria, particularly in the North, have suffered serious attacks, loss of life, and destruction of places of worship.”
The growing violence has been documented by various organizations. SBM Intelligence reports that between July 2022 and June 2023, 21 Catholic priests were kidnapped, and the Catholic Church has reported the abduction of 145 priests over the past decade. The Open Doors organization ranks Nigeria as the 7th most dangerous country for Christians, with 3,100 Christians killed in 2024 alone.
Critics also highlight the complex nature of the violence, pointing out that it is not simply a religious conflict but is intertwined with ethnic, economic, and territorial issues. The ongoing clashes between Fulani herders and farmers in the Middle Belt, as well as competition for resources in the northern states, have added to the volatility.
In a striking remark, Bill Maher, an American comedian, compared the situation in Nigeria to the Palestinian conflict, saying it was “much more an attempt at genocide.” This statement was quickly condemned by Nigerian officials and various groups, including the Islamic Supreme Council of Nigeria (NSCIA), which accused the Christian leadership of spreading lies. The NSCIA further asserted that both Muslims and Christians are victims of terrorism, citing the recent massacre of worshippers at a mosque in Zamfara State.
The debate remains highly polarized, and Nigeria’s future remains uncertain as tensions between the government, religious organizations, and the international community continue to mount. As CAN concluded in its October 8 statement, “Nigeria’s healing will come neither from denial nor blame, but from courage: the courage to face our collective failures, to mourn together, and to rebuild trust within our communities.”
About The Author
