The European Parliament has called on the Nigerian government to take urgent and decisive measures to tackle the country’s growing insecurity, with particular attention to the violence in the Middle Belt region.
The appeal follows mounting concerns over recurring attacks targeting Christian communities in the area.
A total of 501 lawmakers voted in favour of a resolution condemning the killings and urging Nigerian authorities to strengthen security, safeguard vulnerable communities, and ensure those responsible for the attacks are identified and prosecuted.
The resolution received overwhelming backing, with only one member voting against it, while 86 lawmakers abstained.
Members of the Parliament expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in parts of Nigeria, especially Plateau State, where several communities have suffered repeated deadly attacks in recent months.
They specifically referenced the June 22 attack on Kawel village in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, where more than 20 Christians, including a pastor, were reportedly killed during a nighttime assault by armed attackers.
The lawmakers urged Nigerian authorities to intensify operations against terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, which continue to pose serious security threats across the country.
In addition, the Parliament called for independent investigations into the attacks and stressed the need to end what it described as a culture of impunity surrounding violent crimes.
It also urged the Federal Government to improve civilian protection measures, strengthen early warning systems, and invest more resources in conflict prevention across violence-prone regions.
Slovak lawmaker Miriam Lexmann described the killings in Kawel as another tragic example of the persistent violence facing Christian communities in Nigeria.
“The horrific attacks in Kawel village where innocent Christians including their pastor were brutally killed is yet another tragic reminder of escalating violence against Christians in communities in Nigeria.
Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. Nigeria has become one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a Christian,” she said.
Nigeria has continued to grapple with widespread insecurity in recent years, with violent attacks by armed groups, bandits and terrorist organisations affecting several parts of the country. States in the Middle Belt, particularly Plateau and Benue, have witnessed recurring clashes and deadly attacks that have claimed hundreds of lives and displaced thousands of residents.
The violence has attracted growing international attention, with foreign governments, religious organisations and human rights groups repeatedly calling on Nigerian authorities to strengthen security, protect vulnerable communities and ensure those responsible for the attacks are brought to justice. The latest resolution by the European Parliament reflects increasing concern within the international community over the deteriorating security situation and its humanitarian impact.
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