The State Department and Pope Leo XIV have condemned growing anti-Christian violence in Nigeria, citing attacks by extremist groups and rising death tolls.
The U.S. State Department and Pope Leo XIV have condemned rising anti-Christian violence in Nigeria, citing extremist attacks and mounting casualties.
In a statement exclusive to Newsmax, a State Department spokesperson said the U.S. is “deeply concerned” about ongoing violence, particularly from Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa, which “interfere with the ability of Christians to freely exercise their faith.”
Roman Catholic priest Rev. Alphonsus Afin was kidnapped by Boko Haram on June 1, while Fulani jihadists reportedly killed 86 Christians the same day, according to Christian Daily International and Morning Star News.
A report from the Foundation for Justice in Makurdi recorded 36 additional deaths and two abductions.
Pope Leo XIV, in a June 15 address, said “Some 200 people were murdered with extraordinary cruelty,” many of them displaced refugees.
The U.S. pledged continued humanitarian aid and counterterrorism support to Nigeria.
FJDP officials are calling for better security and early-warning systems to prevent further attacks.