US Congress witnesses warn that Nigeria is at risk of widespread Christian-Muslim violence, citing killings, displacement, and insecurity as early signs of a deepening religious crisis

Witnesses appearing before the US Congress Foreign Affairs Committee have cautioned that Nigeria is at risk of descending into widespread Christian Muslim violence, identifying the country as a major flashpoint in a growing global religious freedom crisis.

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The warning came in written testimonies released ahead of a joint hearing of the House Subcommittee on Africa and the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, titled Defending Religious Freedom Around the World.

Witnesses highlighted recurring killings, displacement, and insecurity as indicators of a broader emerging religious conflict.

Former US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, Sam Brownback, described Nigeria as “the deadliest place on the planet to be a Christian,” warning that early signs of a Muslim-on-Christian conflict are emerging across Africa.

He also expressed concern over foreign involvement from countries such as China, Russia, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia potentially worsening instability.

Dr. Stephen Schneck, former chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USIRF), described global religious freedom as being in a “historic crisis,” citing Nigeria, Syria, and Sudan as examples of weak governance creating dangerous conditions for faith communities.

He also criticised the US for failing to take sustained action under the International Religious Freedom Act, emphasizing that advocacy must protect all faiths, not just Christians.

The US designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern has triggered ongoing bilateral discussions, including US military interventions against terrorist hideouts in Sokoto.

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Nigerian authorities maintain that insecurity affects citizens of all religious backgrounds, while US officials continue to explore counter-terrorism and strategic security partnerships.