The United States has expressed strong concern over a recent series of violent attacks on Christians in Nigeria and other parts of sub-Saharan Africa.
The attacks have drawn condemnation, with the U.S. government vowing to work alongside international partners to address the situation.
This follows a series of deadly incidents, including an attack in the Nigerian village of Bindi Ta-hoss, where 27 Christians were killed by Islamist militants. Eyewitnesses reported that many victims, including women and children, were killed while seeking shelter in a church.
“I lost my wife and daughter in the attack,” said Solomon Sunday, a survivor. “They were burned alive.”
Another incident took place on July 27, when 49 Christians were killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo by militants from the Allied Democratic Forces, an ISIS-affiliated group.
Islamist extremists such as Boko Haram and ISIS West Africa have been linked to attacks on Christians across the region, leading to displacement, land grabs, and mass casualties.
In response, the Trump administration has pledged to take strong action. “The United States condemns this violence in the strongest possible terms,” the White House stated, emphasizing that religious freedom remains priority in U.S. foreign policy.
Human rights organizations have labeled the violence as part of an ongoing campaign of “ethno-religious cleansing.” In Nigeria’s Plateau State alone, over 165 Christians have been killed in just the past four months, according to Christian Solidarity International’s John Eibner.
“People are being killed like animals, and nothing is being done about it,” said local youth leader D’Young Mangut.
Open Doors reports that Nigeria is the most dangerous country for Christians, with more believers killed for their faith there than in any other country. The violence in sub-Saharan Africa has led to over 150,000 deaths and displaced more than 16 million Christians over the past decade. In Plateau State, at least 64 communities have reportedly been overtaken by armed militants.
Religious leaders across the region have described the violence as systematic and largely unaddressed. Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, who lost 20 of his parishioners in a recent attack, accused militants of trying to establish an Islamic state in parts of Nigeria. Many victims’ families say they are no longer willing to accept condolences and are calling for concrete measures to ensure their safety.
Advocacy groups are urging African governments to enforce justice, assist displaced communities, and increase security in vulnerable areas.
According to the CEO of Open Doors UK and Ireland, Henrietta Blyth, “For too long, nobody has been talking about the horrific wholesale slaughter of Christians.
“The Western world needs to wake up and be outraged.”
