Key Points
- He said nearly 17,000 Christians were killed since 2019. He added hundreds died in the first seven months.
- He tied the violence to political repression and court actions. He cited Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s confinement and trial.
- He urged the United States to stay engaged with Nigeria. He warned attacks will harm Nigeria’s stability and future.
Rep. John James (John Edward James) said Christians are being targeted across Nigeria. He described the situation as one of the gravest religious freedom crises. He quoted the ancient plea asking if no help remains for widows’ sons.
James said nearly 17,000 Christians were killed since 2019 across the country. He added hundreds more died in the first seven months of this year. See the court convicts Nnamdi Kanu article for more reporting.
Lawmaker links killings to political repression
He linked attacks to weak law enforcement and political targeting of critics. He cited Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s solitary confinement and a 2022 appeal ruling as example.
Calls for US engagement
He urged continued US attention and diplomatic pressure on Nigerian leaders. He said no country can build stability while churches burn and people fear.
Government response and wider debate
Nigeria’s government has rejected claims of targeted religious killings and disputed the figures. African and global officials urged calm and called for clear facts and answers.
Background and figures
Researchers and faith groups offer varying death toll estimates across different regions. Exact counts remain contested and depend on access and data methods. See our Nnamdi Kanu archives coverage for more related reporting and context
