- As Nigerian cleric allegedly received death threats after testifying on “silent genocide” in the U.S
Tensions are rising between Nigerian and US officials over allegations of Christian persecution in Nigeria.
United States Congressman Riley Moore has accused former Kano State governor, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, of complicity in the killing of Christians.
The lawmaker accused after Kwankwaso criticised former US President Donald Trump’s decision to list Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern.”
Trump’s decision was based on reports that Christians are being killed in record numbers across Nigeria.
Kwankwaso dismissed the designation, saying Nigeria faces insecurity that cuts across religion, ethnicity, and politics.
“The insecurity we face doesn’t distinguish between Christians or Muslims,” Kwankwaso said. “We are all victims of outlaws.”
He urged the United States to help Nigeria with advanced technology to fight insecurity rather than issue threats.
Kwankwaso also called for the appointment of special envoys and ambassadors to strengthen Nigeria’s engagement with Washington.
“This is a time to unite, not divide,” he said on his official X account.
But Congressman Moore fired back, accusing Kwankwaso of hypocrisy.
“Governor,” he wrote on X, “do you care to comment on your complicity in the death of Christians?”
Moore alleged that during Kwankwaso’s tenure as governor, he instituted Sharia law, which made blasphemy punishable by death.
“You signed that law,” Moore said. “You cannot now pretend innocence.”
His comments came just days after US Senator Ted Cruz announced new legislation targeting officials who enforce blasphemy or Sharia laws in Nigeria.
“I’ve fought for years to stop the slaughter of Christians,” Cruz said. “This bill will hold Nigerian officials accountable.”
Meanwhile, disturbing new reports from Benue State have intensified the international spotlight on Nigeria.
Catholic Bishop Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe of Makurdi Diocese recently testified before the US House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa.
He described what he called “genocidal persecution” of Christians in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
Accompanied by Reverend Father Remigius Ihyula, Bishop Anagbe detailed massacres, kidnappings, and church burnings allegedly carried out by Fulani jihadists.
He said more than 1,000 Christians were killed in recent months, while over 160 churches were destroyed in ten years.
According to him, the attackers have seized Christian farmlands without government intervention.
Bishop Anagbe accused the Nigerian government of maintaining a “conspiracy of silence” and enabling an “Islamic agenda.”
After his testimony, both clerics reportedly received death threats from unknown sources in Nigeria.
In April 2025, foreign embassies, including the US, warned of potential arrests if Bishop Anagbe returned home.
The Nigerian Foreign Ministry denied any role but promised to investigate.
A month later, tragedy struck the bishop’s home village, Aondona.
Between May 24 and 26, Fulani jihadists attacked the area, killing at least 42 people and displacing hundreds.
Some reports claimed the death toll exceeded 70, describing it as retaliation for his testimony in Washington.
In early June, coordinated attacks in Gwer West and Apa counties killed over 300 people, including children.
Many victims were burnt alive, despite earlier security warnings from local communities.
Activists accused the Nigerian government of trying to downplay the Yelwata massacre near Makurdi.
Social media influencer Verydarkblackman later shared graphic footage that forced national attention on the tragedy.
During Holy Week, another 92 Christians were killed in Benue, deepening fears of ethnic cleansing.
Critics have accused the Muslim-led federal government of ignoring or excusing the killings.
Despite hundreds of attacks, no Fulani jihadist has been publicly prosecuted.
Outrage grew after a Fulani leader appeared on TVC News — a station linked to the president — giving conditions to end the violence.
He demanded the removal of a military commander overseeing security in Plateau State.
Weeks later, the officer was reportedly replaced, fueling claims that the government bowed to extremist pressure.
Activist Charles Ogbu condemned the government’s silence, calling the situation a “Christian genocide.”
He said, “The killing of some Muslims doesn’t erase the truth. No Muslim community is being targeted like southern Kaduna or Benue.”
Sometime in 2021, Islamic cleric Ahmad Gumi stated that bandits require money, land compensation to stop killings. He argued that bandits have refused to end hostilities against the Nigerian government because they were not given land and “enough money”
As the debate intensifies, calls for justice grow louder — both in Nigeria and abroad.
