A coalition of U.S.-based advocacy groups has called on the Nigerian government to take seriously the growing international concern over alleged attacks on Christians in parts of the country.
The appeal follows comments by a United States senator who recently condemned what he described as “targeted violence against Christian communities in Nigeria.”
In a joint statement released on Thursday and signed by Dr. Sylvester Onyia, the Coalition of American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), alongside Ambassadors for Self-Determination and Rising Sun, urged the Nigerian government to engage constructively with the global community and address reports of faith-based violence.
The groups were reacting to remarks credited to Nigerian officials who had dismissed such allegations as “malicious narratives intended to discredit Nigeria.”
Recent debates in the U.S. Congress have seen several lawmakers express renewed concern over the safety of Christians and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria’s northern and Middle Belt regions. Some have also urged the U.S. State Department to re-designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) for religious freedom violations — a status the country briefly held in 2020 before being removed from the list the following year.
The coalition welcomed the renewed international focus on Nigeria’s human rights record, noting that global engagement could help address longstanding grievances linked to religious and communal conflicts.
“We acknowledge the sovereignty of Nigeria, but sovereignty should not shield violations of fundamental human rights,” the statement read.
“What concerns the international community is not Nigeria’s unity, but the safety and dignity of all its citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity.”
AVID noted that hundreds of churches and Christian villages have been attacked over the past decade, often attributed to insurgents, bandits, or communal clashes. It urged the Nigerian government to intensify protection for at-risk communities and ensure justice for victims of religiously motivated violence.
While Nigerian authorities have consistently denied claims of religious persecution—insisting that the country’s security challenges are driven by criminality, poverty, and resource conflicts—the coalition said these explanations do not lessen the government’s obligation to protect all citizens.
In its recent response, the Nigerian government reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, human rights, and interfaith harmony, urging foreign observers to verify claims before making judgments about Nigeria’s internal affairs.
AVID, however, maintained that international oversight remains vital for transparency and accountability. It appealed to the U.S. Congress and the United Nations Human Rights Council to continue monitoring developments in Nigeria and supporting humanitarian efforts in conflict-prone areas.
The groups also called for sustained dialogue between the government, faith-based organizations, and civil society actors to rebuild trust and prevent further violence.
“Lasting peace will come only when all sides commit to justice, dialogue, and reconciliation,” the coalition stated.
AVID further urged the Nigerian government to review the cases of individuals detained over political or self-determination activism, including Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), whose prolonged detention continues to draw both local and international concern.
Describing Kanu’s case as “an opportunity for the government to demonstrate adherence to constitutional and judicial principles,” the coalition said Nigeria’s reputation abroad depends on its actions at home.
“Nigeria’s image abroad is best defended through justice at home,” the group added.
“We believe the government can build trust with both citizens and international partners by confronting these issues transparently.”
AVID expressed optimism that continued dialogue between Nigeria and its international allies would advance peace, human rights, and religious freedom across the country.