Nigeria remains world’s deadliest country for Christians — US lawmaker

US congressman Chris Smith has accused the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christians from persistent attacks and killings, citing claims that Nigeria accounts for 72 per cent of faith-related Christian deaths worldwide.

United States lawmaker Chris Smith has raised concerns over continued attacks and killings of Christians in Nigeria, one year after President Donald Trump designated the country a “country of particular concern.”

According to Smith’s official congressional statement, as reported by Peoples Gazette, the Republican congressman made the remarks during a House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee hearing on Thursday.

Citing testimony from religious freedom advocate Nina Shea, Smith said Nigeria accounted for 72 per cent of faith-related Christian killings worldwide, based on Open Doors figures.

“A year later, the atrocities continue to mount,” Shea stated.

She identified armed Fulani militias as major threats to Christian communities in Benue, Plateau, Kaduna and Taraba states, alleging widespread killings, kidnappings and displacement.

Smith accused Nigerian authorities of failing to adequately protect vulnerable communities.

“The Nigerian government has a critical responsibility to protect its citizens,” he declared.

He subsequently urged Washington to intensify diplomatic pressure and demand accountability for attacks.