Trump Condemns Deadly Attacks on Christians in Nigeria
The United States has strongly condemned a wave of deadly attacks against Christians in Nigeria and other parts of sub-Saharan Africa, describing the violence as “horrific” and pledging firm action.
In a statement on Sunday, the White House said protecting religious freedom was both a moral duty and a central pillar of US foreign policy. Officials linked the attacks to armed extremist groups, including Boko Haram, ISIS West Africa, and Islamist Fulani militants.
One of the latest incidents occurred in Bindi Ta-hoss, Plateau State, where militants reportedly killed 27 Christians, burning many including women and children alive inside a church. “I lost my wife and second daughter in the attack,” said survivor Solomon Sunday.
Similar violence was reported on July 27 in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where 49 worshippers were hacked to death with machetes during prayers. Authorities blamed the Allied Democratic Forces, a group tied to ISIS.
Human rights advocates say the killings amount to “ethno-religious cleansing,” warning that the crisis is worsening. John Eibner, president of Christian Solidarity International, said over 165 Christians have been killed in Plateau State alone in the last four months. “People are being killed like chickens, and nothing is being done,” added local youth leader D’Young Mangut.
According to Open Doors, Nigeria records more killings of Christians than the rest of the world combined. The group estimates that jihadist violence in sub-Saharan Africa has killed about 150,000 people and displaced over 16 million Christians in the past decade.
However, religious leaders have accused militants of trying to establish an Islamic State in parts of Nigeria, urging authorities to step up protection for vulnerable communities.
