Faith
Christian Leaders Urge Action for Persecuted Nigerians
Faith Facts
- Christian leaders call for Nigeria to be designated a Country of Particular Concern.
- Letters urge renewed U.S. action after a rise in anti-Christian violence.
- Over 7,000 Nigerian Christians reportedly killed in seven months of 2025.
Christian voices across the U.S. are appealing for decisive action to support Nigeria’s embattled believers. Calls are increasing to restore Nigeria’s status as a Country of Particular Concern, recognizing the urgency of protecting innocent lives endangered by religious persecution.
Prominent advocates, including leaders from the Center for Religious Freedom and Focus on the Family, have united to highlight escalating violence against Christian communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
“Several years have seen a burgeoning of violent attacks specifically targeting rural Christians in the country’s Middle Belt, while the government in Abuja barely lifts a finger to protect them.”
The advocates contend that Nigeria’s government enforces harsh blasphemy laws and tolerates aggressive attacks by extremists, resulting in the loss and displacement of thousands of Christians.
Congressman Riley Moore’s recent efforts, alongside a joint resolution introduced with Senator Josh Hawley, emphasize the faith-based threat posed by radical Islamic groups and urge diplomatic and legislative pressure for reform.
“We must acknowledge the religious nature of this scourge of anti-Christian violence from radical Islamic terrorists,” Moore declared. “It’s time for the United States to defend our brothers and sisters in Christ, and designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern will provide the diplomatic tools necessary to do just that.”
Groups like Open Doors have warned that more Christians are killed in Nigeria than anywhere else in the world, underscoring the urgent need for prayer, advocacy, and government action on behalf of the suffering faithful in Nigeria.
Stand with us as we pray for change and urge America’s leaders to defend the persecuted Church worldwide.