A coalition of American-based advocacy organisations has urged the Nigerian government to take seriously the growing international concerns over reports of attacks on Christians in parts of the country, following recent comments by a United States senator who condemned what he described as “targeted violence against Christian communities in Nigeria.”
In a statement issued to journalists yesterday in Abuja, Dr Sylvester Onyia, on behalf of the Coalition of American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), working alongside Ambassadors for Self-Determination and Rising Sun, appealed.
The groups were reacting to comments credited to the Nigerian government, which had dismissed allegations of widespread persecution as “malicious narratives intended to discredit Nigeria.”
In recent weeks, several members of the U.S. Congress have expressed concern over the safety of Christians and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria’s northern and Middle Belt regions.
Some lawmakers have urged the U.S. State Department to re-designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) for religious freedom violations — a label Nigeria held briefly in 2020 before being delisted the following year.
The Senator whose statement sparked the recent exchange had called for “stronger international engagement” to ensure that perpetrators of attacks on Christian communities are held accountable.
The coalition said it welcomed the U.S. government’s renewed attention to Nigeria’s human-rights situation, arguing that constructive international dialogue could help address longstanding grievances related to faith-based violence.
It stated, “We acknowledge Nigeria’s sovereignty, but sovereignty should not shield violations of fundamental human rights.
“What concerns the international community is not Nigeria’s unity, but the safety and dignity of all its citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity.”
The coalition noted that hundreds of Christian worship centres and villages have been attacked over the past decade, often attributed to bandits, insurgents, or communal clashes.
It urged the Nigerian government to intensify efforts to protect communities at risk and ensure justice for victims of religiously motivated violence.
The Nigerian government has consistently rejected claims of religious persecution, maintaining that the conflicts in affected areas are driven by criminality, resource competition, and security challenges — not religion.
Officials have also cited ongoing military operations against insurgent and criminal groups as evidence of their commitment to the safety of all Nigerians, irrespective of faith.
In its recent response, the Nigerian government assured us it would remain “committed to upholding the rule of law, protecting human rights, and fostering interfaith harmony.”
It urged foreign observers and lawmakers to verify information before concluding Nigeria’s internal affairs.
While acknowledging the Nigerian government’s efforts, the coalition said international oversight remained essential in promoting transparency and accountability.
It appealed to the U.S. Congress and the United Nations Human Rights Council to continue monitoring developments in Nigeria and to support humanitarian programmes in conflict-affected areas.
The statement also called for constructive engagement between the Nigerian government, faith-based organisations, and civil-society groups to prevent further violence and rebuild trust among religious communities.
It added, “Lasting peace will come only when all sides commit to justice, dialogue, and reconciliation.”
The coalition further urged the Nigerian government to review cases of individuals detained over self-determination or political activism, including Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), whose prolonged detention has drawn both domestic and international attention.
It described Kanu’s case as “an opportunity for the government to demonstrate adherence to constitutional and judicial principles.”
The coalition reaffirmed that its intention was not to disparage Nigeria but to encourage reforms strengthening human rights and interfaith harmony.
It stated, “Nigeria’s image abroad is best defended through justice at home. We believe the government can build trust with citizens and international partners by confronting these issues transparently.”
The groups hoped that continued dialogue between Nigeria and its international allies would help advance peace and religious freedom.
