…As Trump’s CPC designation sparks global reactions
The United States (U.S.) Congress has opened an expansive investigation into alleged persecution and killings of Christians in Nigeria, following President Donald Trump’s redesignation of the country as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for religious freedom violations.
The House Subcommittee on Africa will hold an open hearing on November 20, 2025, a session expected to shape Washington’s next steps—from sanctions to possible intervention.
Chaired by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), the hearing will feature senior State Department officials Jonathan Pratt and Jacob McGee, alongside religious leaders including Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, Nina Shea, and Oge Onubogu. The sessions aim to assess the scale of religious violence in Nigeria and evaluate potential US policy responses, including targeted sanctions, humanitarian assistance, and cooperation with Nigerian authorities.
Trump’s CPC redesignation has ignited intense diplomatic and political debate. The former president has alleged that “thousands of Christians” are being massacred by radical Islamist groups, warning that the US may halt all aid—and even consider military action—if the Nigerian government fails to address the killings. “If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet,” Trump declared on November 1.
President Bola Tinubu rejected the claims, calling them “a misrepresentation” of Nigeria’s religious climate, insisting that the country remains committed to constitutional religious freedom.
But US lawmakers have kept up the pressure. Rep. Riley Moore, who is co-leading the congressional inquiry, dismissed Tinubu’s rebuttal, arguing that “serious persecution” exists in Nigeria. Citing ongoing blasphemy cases and violent attacks, Moore said Christians are being killed at a ratio of “five to one” compared to Muslims. He also pointed to 12 states operating Sharia law as evidence of structural religious inequality.
Moore, in both Fox News and social media comments, referenced a Christian farmer reportedly facing the death penalty after defending himself against a Fulani militant. “President Tinubu is in a difficult position and trying to protect his interests,” he said.
Meanwhile, Congressman, Bill Huizenga sought to calm fears of immediate US military involvement, saying Trump likely aims to pressure Nigeria into action rather than launch an assault. He emphasized that sanctions – cutting financial flows to extremist networks – would be more effective.
International concern is also mounting. Pope Leo XIV lamented escalating violence targeting Christians in Nigeria, Mozambique, Sudan, and Bangladesh, urging global solidarity and prayer for peace.
Inside Nigeria, the Tinubu administration has initiated peace-building efforts. Last week, presidential emissary Dr Abiodun Essiet met with Christian and Fulani leaders in Plateau State, resolving a local farmer–herdsmen dispute and promoting community-based reconciliation.
The widening international scrutiny follows Bishop Anagbe’s earlier testimony in the UK Parliament, where he described brutal attacks by extremists and militant herdsmen in Benue State, displacements, and killings of clergy.
With the US Senate now considering a complementary bill sponsored by Senator Ted Cruz, Nigeria faces growing pressure from multiple fronts.
