The United States Congress on Tuesday held another hearing on Nigeria, focusing on allegations of genocide and growing concerns over religious freedom in Africa’s most populous nation.
During the session, lawmakers heard testimonies from policy experts, human rights advocates and security analysts who warned that persistent violence across parts of Nigeria has reached alarming levels. Speakers described the country as a major flashpoint for religious persecution, citing repeated attacks on civilian communities, abductions, and killings allegedly targeting people based on their faith.
Experts told the congressional panels that extremist groups, armed bandits and militant factions continue to operate with devastating consequences, particularly in the Middle Belt and northern regions. They argued that the ongoing insecurity has displaced thousands of people, destroyed livelihoods and deepened religious and ethnic tensions.
Several witnesses accused Nigerian authorities of failing to adequately protect vulnerable communities or hold perpetrators accountable, a situation they said has encouraged impunity and prolonged the crisis. Some went as far as describing the violence as meeting the threshold of genocide, a claim that has remained highly controversial and strongly disputed by Nigerian officials in the past.
Lawmakers at the hearing emphasized the need for closer US engagement with Nigeria, including diplomatic pressure, targeted sanctions and expanded humanitarian support for affected communities. They also called on the US government to closely monitor Nigeria’s handling of religious freedom and human rights abuses.
The hearing comes amid renewed international attention on Nigeria’s security challenges, with growing calls for global action to prevent further escalation of violence and to safeguard religious and ethnic minorities across the country.
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