Human Rights Groups Urge U.S. Secretary of State to Address Mass Killing of Christians in Nigeria

In the wake of the tragic mass killing of over 200 Christians in Plateau State, Nigeria, on Christmas Eve, a coalition of a dozen human rights groups has issued a plea to the United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken.

The groups are calling for concrete action against Nigeria and have urged Secretary Blinken to designate the country as a “Country of Particular Concern” due to the brutal murder of the Christians.

Led by organizations such as Advancing American Freedom, Alliance Defending Freedom, the Hudson Institute, former Ambassador Sam Brownback, and former defense and national security officials, the coalition has voiced its concerns over the alarming rise in violence against Christians in Nigeria.

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The letter sent to Secretary Blinken emphasizes the urgency of addressing the atrocities and holds the Nigerian government accountable for the lack of effective measures to protect its citizens. The groups condemn the recent killing of nearly 200 Nigerian Christians, describing the act as heinous and carried out with apparent impunity.

The coalition is dismayed by what they perceive as a lack of accountability for these acts of violence and has criticized the international community for not taking a more decisive stance. The letter also draws attention to a threatening letter received by the Christian Association of Nigeria, warning against Christmas celebrations, underscoring the ongoing threats faced by religious minorities in the country.

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This appeal to the U.S. Secretary of State follows recent efforts by the Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, who raised the issue during a United Nations Security Council Meeting on January 12th. Erdan specifically highlighted the killings in Jos, Plateau State, and urged the UN to prioritize addressing the violence against Christians in Nigeria.

As the global community grapples with these concerning developments, the plea from human rights groups adds further pressure on international leaders to take action and ensure the protection of vulnerable communities in Nigeria. The situation emphasizes the ongoing challenges related to religious freedom and security in the region, demanding a coordinated and resolute response from the international community.