The U.S. State Department has has cautioned President Bola Tinubu against politicizing Christian lives in the lead-up to the 2027 election
They accused Tinubu of silence over the continuous violence against Christians in Nigeria, particularly in Plateau State, carried out by roaming Fulani herdsmen under his watch.
This warning comes amidst concerns over the safety and rights of Christians in Nigeria, particularly in light of the violence and attacks targeting the Christian community.
The U.S. government’s stance underscores the importance of protecting the lives and freedoms of Christians in the country, emphasizing the need for political leaders to prioritize the well-being and security of all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs.
In the ‘2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Nigeria,’ recently published by the U.S. government, it articulated its apprehensions about the prevailing situation. The report underscored the disturbing regularity of intentional killings and assaults by radical groups.
The document underscores the pressing requirement for efficacious strategies to counter these heinous acts and safeguard the lives of blameless civilians.
The report stated, “In October, villagers in Yobe State were reportedly shot at and a land mine was detonated by alleged Boko Haram militants, resulting in at least 40 fatalities. On December 23 and 24, unidentified armed individuals launched attacks on 17 villages in Plateau State, leading to a minimum of 150 deaths. Local authorities attributed the attack to the herdsmen.”
The report ascribed the attacks to religious or ethnic animosities, resulting in significant casualties beyond those inflicted by violent extremist group offensives.
