Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee, issued the following statement in response to the recent deadly attacks perpetrated against Christian communities in Nigeria’s Plateau State:

                “As Christians in Nigeria observe Holy Week and approach Easter Sunday, a time of profound spiritual reflection and celebration, I urge the Government of Nigeria to take immediate and concrete steps to ensure the safety and security of all Christian communities in the country. This includes deploying adequate security forces and holding perpetrators to account.

                “The Nigerian government has a fundamental responsibility—and constitutional duty—to protect all its citizens, regardless of their faith. The continued failure to prevent and intercept these targeted attacks not only deepens human suffering, but also threatens the fabric of religious coexistence in the region. The need for the government to step up and protect the lives and religious liberty of Nigerians cannot be overstated.

                “My wife, Marie, and I were absolutely horrified by the brutal massacres that occurred in the Jos North area of Nigeria on Palm Sunday, which have reportedly left at least 20 innocent people dead. These savage killings, targeting Christians as they gathered during one of the most sacred times of the year, are incredibly heartbreaking and absolutely unacceptable.

                “Tragically, this violence follows a deeply disturbing pattern. On Palm Sunday just last year, similar attacks in Plateau State claimed the lives of at least 54 Christians. The fact that such atrocities are repeated year after year—on the same holy day—underscores the urgent need for decisive action.

                “The United States must continue to stand in solidarity with the persecuted Christians and all other victims of religious violence in Nigeria. I call on Nigerian authorities to act swiftly to prevent further bloodshed and ensure that this Holy Week is not marred by more tragedy.”

###