Washington, DC:

More than two dozen human rights advocates have filed a petition with Congress, asking it to persuade the State Department to relist Nigeria among the worst countries in the world for violating religious freedom. Nigeria was taken off the list of countries of particular concern (CPC) for religious persecution in 2021 by the Biden administration, despite the nation having been recognized as such in 2020.

In a letter dated December 12, 29 grassroots leaders and supporters of religious freedom have urged the US Department to address the continued persecution of religious minorities in Nigeria, as required under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998. They are also urging Congress to back a resolution co-authored by Representatives Chris Smith of New Jersey and Henry Cuellar of Texas, which would reinstate Nigeria's CPC status and call for the designation of a special envoy to represent both Nigeria and the Lake Chad area simultaneously.

Aid to the Church in Need reported that since early 2022, over 100 Catholic priests have been kidnapped and 20 have been assassinated in West Africa, with the clergy being specifically targeted. 90 per cent of all Christian deaths in 2022 occurred in Nigeria, mostly at the hands of Fulani Muslim herders, according to Open Doors, which also emphasized the impunity with which these extremists have been permitted to operate.

Nigerian Christians are more vulnerable to assassination or kidnapping than Muslims are; Fulani and unidentified gunmen especially target Catholic priests, Methodist bishops, and evangelical pastors. More than 17,000 churches have been attacked and set on fire since 2009, yet no charges have been brought up. As to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, the Nigerian government is under criticism for its inability to look into and bring charges against the perpetrators.

Notable Catholics who have signed the letter supporting religious freedom protection include Sam Brownback, Leonard Leo, Mary Ann Glendon, and George Weigel. Prominent members of the Catholic community with backgrounds in academics, politics, and diplomacy are among the signatories.