United States lawmakers on Tuesday criticised the Nigerian government for failing to tackle escalating violence and widespread genocide across the country.
The remarks were delivered during a joint briefing of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, called to evaluate reports of systemic attacks on Christians and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria.
Speaking at the session, members of Congress cited President Donald Trump’s renewed designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and his warning of possible military intervention.
Congressman Chris Smith said the Nigerian authorities were falling short of their constitutional duty to safeguard civilians.
“The perpetrators of these attacks and persecution continue to act with absolute impunity,” he told the panel.
“The Nigerian government is trying to run out the clock. We cannot allow this. Urgent and decisive action is needed to save more lives,” he said.
Representative Brian Mast insisted that Washington must put more pressure on Abuja and supported Trump’s move to re-designate Nigeria.
He called on the United States to demand that armed groups disarm, that displaced populations be restored, and that those responsible for the attacks be prosecuted.
Also speaking, Riley Moore, Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Legislative Branch Subcommittee and a renowned supporter for religious freedom, reiterated charges of targeted assault and calculated genocide.
“The world will no longer turn away from what is happening to Christians in Nigeria,” he said.
The congressmen were joined by Vicky Hartzler, Chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, who accused Nigerian authorities of routinely failing to act on intelligence that could prevent assaults.
She emphasised the necessity of increasing funding for early warning systems and demanded that the Nigerian government react to signals as soon as possible.
Hartzler asked for stronger U.S. support but underlined that pressure must stay on Nigerian officials to execute their responsibility in defending citizens.
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