Republicans focus on alleged abuse of Christians in Nigeria

by EMEKA OKONKWO
ABUJA, (CAJ News) – THE International Committee on Nigeria (ICON) is engaging United States (US) policymakers to address the West African country’s security crisis.

Stephen Enada, ICON president, recently led the delegation to meet US (Republican) lawmakers and officials, among them Rep. Chris Smith, Chairman, Africa Subcommittee of House Foreign Affairs.

This follows sentiment in recent weeks that Christians in Nigeria are under surge from militants, amid a spate of kidnappings.

Rep. Riley Moore recently visited Nigeria, including Benue state, where ICON said he witnessed the plight of victims of Fulani-related violence and government inaction in addressing the humanitarian crisis.

The Fulani are historically nomadic pastoralists known for their Islamic faith.

Moore and his delegation visited internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.

ICON describes the crisis as Middle Belt genocide.

“The Nigerian government must stop the killing of innocent Christians. This is urgent. I will brief President (Donald) Trump within the next two weeks,” Moore stated.

ICON has pledged support to end the crisis, on condition.

These include Nigeria disarming Fulani militias, ending indiscriminate cattle grazing and adopting ranching solutions and preventing terrorist organisations like Boko Haram and Islamic State West African Province from destabilising Nigeria and the wider region.

“Nigeria matters to US global peace and security. We must act now to stop terrorism and protect vulnerable communities,” Enada said.

ICON is a multi-stakeholder non-profit organisation advocating for rule of law, justice, and religious freedom in Nigeria.

Last week, the US government announced it would impose sanctions on violators of religious rights in Nigeria.

– CAJ News