ABUJA –
A United States lawmaker has issued a formal assessment accusing unnamed
elements within Nigeria’s security apparatus of enabling attacks on Christian
communities, particularly in the country’s North-Central and North-West
regions, and called for the removal of the Minister of State for Defence.
Florida State Representative Kimberly Daniels,
who also serves as Chairwoman of the United World Congress of Diplomats
(UN-WCD), released the report on April 14, 2026, following a wave of deadly
violence that coincided with Easter celebrations. The assessment alleges that
worshippers were deliberately targeted during Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday
services across Plateau, Kaduna, and Nasarawa states, with the pattern of
attacks suggesting coordination rather than random violence.
“What we are seeing is a brutal surge in
violence that specifically targets religious congregations during their most
sacred moments of worship,” Daniels said. While noting that the administration
of President Bola Tinubu has publicly condemned the killings, she described a
“troubling disconnect” between official statements and security realities on
the ground.
The report highlights testimony from residents
and survivors, one of whom stated: “We hear statements from Abuja, but here, we
bury our loved ones almost every week. There is no protection.”
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A central focus of the assessment is the
continued role of Bello Matawalle, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence. The
report raises credibility concerns dating back to his tenure as governor of
Zamfara State, including allegations of complicity with armed groups, harboring
bandit leaders, and facilitating ransom payments. While noting that these claims
remain contentious, Daniels insisted they cannot be ignored.
“When those entrusted with national security
are themselves subjects of serious allegations, public trust erodes, and the
fight against terrorism becomes dangerously compromised,” she stated.
Daniels urged President Tinubu to “look
inward” and undertake decisive reforms within Nigeria’s security leadership,
including the removal or redeployment of Matawalle. She also called on the
United States and international partners to increase diplomatic pressure on
Nigeria, particularly in light of its designation as a Country of Particular
Concern regarding religious freedom.
Explaining her decision to speak out, Daniels
said: “The position I take on this issue is because of citizens reaching out to
me from Nigeria. … My brothers and sisters in Nigeria are being martyred simply
because they gather to worship Jesus.”
The Nigerian government had not
issued an official response to the report at the time of this briefing.
