A senior US official has defended Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern, citing rampant religious violence and failure to protect Christians.
The Deputy Assistant Secretary at the US Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, Jacob McGee, has defended Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) under former President Donald Trump, according to DAILY POST.
McGee cited the 2022 killing of Deborah Samuel, a student lynched in Sokoto over alleged blasphemy, stressing that “her murderers remain free.” He described the case as part of a “troubling pattern” of abuses, torture, disappearances and extrajudicial killings linked to blasphemy accusations.
McGee said the US “stands ready to champion the rights of Christians,” noting that annual International Religious Freedom (IRF) reports consistently document severe violations in Nigeria. He highlighted increasing attacks on Christian communities in the Middle Belt, saying testimonies showed attackers “used religious language” and “specifically targeted Christians for killing, abduction and rape.”
The official accused Nigerian authorities of failing to protect religious leaders, referencing threats received by Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and Father Remigius after testifying before US lawmakers. He also condemned Nigeria’s blasphemy laws enforced in 12 states, warning that the US would “continue to listen and act” until protections for vulnerable Christians are strengthened and perpetrators held accountable.