The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has reiterated its call for the Department of State to designate Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) in light of the attack that killed at least 100 men, women, and children, many of whom were internally-displaced persons (IDPs) being sheltered in a Catholic mission in Yelwata in Benue State.
The Catholic Church and organizations in Nigeria have raised serious religious freedom concerns over these violent attacks.
“The abhorrent violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and the systematic, ongoing, and egregious attacks throughout Nigeria against Christians and Muslims are indications that government prevention efforts are failing and not protecting vulnerable religious communities,” said Chair Vicky Hartzler. “U.S. government foreign assistance to Nigeria should efficiently and effectively support efforts to protect religious freedom.”
The USCIRF said in a statement that “this weekend’s attack is a continuation of the daunting violence Christian farmers have endured over the past three months in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria, intensifying the conflict between Muslim Fulani herders and Christian farmers.
“The ongoing attacks further exacerbate religious tensions and stoke fear that prevents Nigerians of faith from exercising their freedom of religion or belief. Attackers often target houses of worship, including kidnapping religious leaders with impunity.”
“Further efforts are needed to reduce violence and preserve freedom of religion or belief for all Nigerians,” said Commissioner Mohamed Elsanousi. “The U.S. government should use foreign assistance to address conflict resolution and enhance security sector training so vulnerable religious communities can be better protected.”
The stated noted that USCIRF “continues to call upon the Department of State to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern for its systematic, ongoing, and egregious religious freedom violations. In May 2025, USCIRF held a hearing on religious freedom conditions in Nigeria.”
USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan legislative branch agency established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad.
USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief.
