A Canadian lawmaker has raised concerns over what he called the systematic persecution of Christians in Nigeria, accusing the international community of turning a blind eye to the crisis.
Andrew Scheer, a former leader of Canada’s Conservative Party, brought attention to the issue in Canada’s House of Commons, highlighting the devastating impact of Boko Haram’s violent campaign in the country.
“The deadly terrorist organization Boko Haram is trying to eliminate the Christian faith from Nigeria,” Scheer said emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
“They have killed over a hundred thousand since 2009. They have burned 18,000 churches. These are the Islamists, Boko Haram. This is so much more of a genocide attempt than what is going on in Gaza.”
Scheer’s remarks underscore the urgent need for global action to address the plight of Nigerian Christians.
He urged governments, humanitarian groups, and faith communities to provide relief and solidarity for those affected.
“The world has largely ignored the persecution of Christians in Nigeria – 7,000 killed, 3.5 million displaced, and three churches destroyed every day.
“It’s time to break the silence, raise awareness, and support those enduring unimaginable suffering,” Scheer appealed.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened military action against Nigeria if the killing of Christians continues.
“If we attack, it will be fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians!” Trump wrote, adding that the U.S. would stop all aids and assistance to Nigeria.
If the United States sends in military forces, it would go in “‘guns-a-blazing,’ to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities,” Trump wrote, without providing any evidence of specifics about the treatment of Christians in Nigeria.
Trump called Nigeria a “disgraced country” and warned its government must move quickly.
Although the U.S. Department of Defence referred Reuters to the White House for comment on Trump’s threat, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth released a social media post of his own.
“The Department of War is preparing for action,” Hegseth wrote on X.
“Either the Nigerian Government protects Christians, or we will kill the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.”
Trump’s post on Nigeria came a day after his administration added Nigeria back to a “Countries of Particular Concern” list of nations that the U.S. says have violated religious freedom.
Other nations on the list include China, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia and Pakistan.
Persecondnews reported that the federal government had in a statement on Saturday through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the claims do not reflect the realities on the ground.
Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson of the ministry, said Nigerians of all faiths have long lived, worked, and worshipped together peacefully.
He said while Nigeria appreciates global concern for human rights and religious freedom, the allegations are misleading and contrary to the government’s sustained efforts to promote peace and unity.
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