US Senator Ted Cruz is urging Congress to label Nigeria a “violator of religious freedom,” citing what he calls “mass murder” among Christians, claims that Nigeria’s government strongly rejects as false, AP reported.
The Republican senator, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, wants Nigeria designated a country of particular concern, a status already applied to nations such as Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China, which could lead to US sanctions. Cruz introduced the bill in September, but the Senate has yet to take action.
Some US commentators and celebrities have amplified Cruz’s allegations, claiming a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria without presenting evidence. Cruz’s office has not responded to questions about the motivation behind his claims.
Nigeria, home to roughly 220 million people, is almost evenly split between Christians and Muslims. The country faces insecurity from multiple sources, including Boko Haram, which targets both Muslims and Christians.
Violence also stems from farmer-herder conflicts, communal rivalries, secessionist movements, and ethnic clashes.
Analysts say most attacks occur in Nigeria’s Muslim-majority north, where Muslims are the majority of casualties.
Joseph Hayab, former chairperson of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Kaduna state, one of the hardest-hit areas, rejected claims of “Christian genocide.” He added that things have improved in the area and that every death is condemnable.
Nigeria’s government also rejected the US’ claims. Information Minister Idris Muhammed told AP, “There is no systematic, intentional attempt either by the Nigerian government or by any serious group to target a particular religion.”
Nigeria first appeared on the US list of countries of particular concern in 2020 for “systematic violations of religious freedom,” though attacks did not specifically target Christians, News India reported. The designation was lifted in 2023, seen by observers as an effort to improve US-Nigeria relations ahead of then-Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit.
The Christian Association of Nigeria said it has consistently highlighted “the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.” The US Commission on International Religious Freedom reported in 2024 that attacks in Nigeria affect both Christians and Muslims and constitute systematic violations of religious freedom.
Data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) shows 20,409 deaths from 11,862 attacks on civilians between January 2020 and September 2025. Of those, 385 attacks targeted Christians, causing 317 deaths. Out of 196 attacks, 417 Muslims were killed.
“Large population and vast geographic differences make it impossible to speak of religious violence as motivating all violence,” said Ladd Serwat, ACLED’s senior Africa analyst.
Experts reject the notion of genocide. Olajumoke Ayandele, assistant professor at NYU’s Center for Global Affairs, said, “If anything, what we are witnessing is mass killings, which are not targeted against a specific group.
The drumming up of the reported genocide topic might worsen the situation because everyone is going to be on alert.” Chidi Odinkalu, a professor at Tufts University and former chairperson of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission, noted that Nigerian authorities must address the broader violence.
Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.
Senator Cruz Wants to Label Nigeria ‘Violator of Religious Freedom’ Amid Disputed Claims – Barlaman Today
