USA sends congressman to Nigeria after statements about genocide of Christians
Michael Baumgartner (right) with the Minister of Defense of Nigeria in Abuja, Nigeria. Photo: X
On December 21, 2025, U.S. Congressman Michael Baumgartner arrived in Nigeria for a two-day visit to highlight violence against Christians and urge the country's authorities to strengthen measures for their protection, reports The Spokesman-Review.
The trip took place against the backdrop of sharp statements by President Donald Trump, who previously called Nigeria a "country of particular concern" due to threats to religious freedom. Trump also suggested the possibility of U.S. military intervention if Nigerian authorities, in his words, do not take decisive action against Islamist terrorist groups.
Baumgartner emphasized that the purpose of his visit is not military pressure but to demonstrate international support for persecuted Christians. “I hope that the trip gives the Christian community in Nigeria hope that they’re not alone,” Baumgartner said, “and that the world is watching the actions of the Nigerian government to make sure they’re safe.”
The congressman referred to data from human rights organizations, according to which tens of thousands of Christians have been killed in Nigeria since 2009 as a result of the activities of radical Islamist groups and inter-religious violence. He acknowledged that the exact count of victims is difficult. While experts agree that violence in the country is a serious problem, the extent to which that violence is targeted based on religion is contested.
Nigerian authorities rejected accusations of religious intolerance. The country's President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stated a commitment to protecting religious freedom for all citizens and expressed readiness to cooperate with the U.S. and the international community on the security of religious communities.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that in Nigeria, Islamists killed more than 20 Christians in 24 hours.
Read also
Relics stolen from Catholic Church in Czechia
At the Basilica of Saints Lawrence and Zdislava, an unknown intruder smashed a display case and stole the saint’s 800-year-old skull.
Head of Germany’s largest media group: We must all become Zionists
The media executive urged Europeans to defend the Jewish state in order to preserve their own freedom and security.
Church сonsecrated after restoration in Zaporizhzhia Eparchy of UOC
Metropolitan Luke of Zaporizhzhia and Melitopol performed the rite of great consecration and celebrated the first Liturgy in the renovated church.
Sand for construction of Yermak’s residence brought from cemetery, MP says
MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak said that sand illegally removed from a cemetery in Ukrainka was used in the construction of the elite Dynasty cooperative in Kozyn.
Italian court recognizes family with three parents as legal
In Bari, the appellate court ordered authorities to register an adoption according to which a child is listed as having two "fathers" and one mother.
Archaeologists discover biblical Bethsaida on shore of Sea of Galilee
Researchers have discovered a first-century residential house beneath the apse of a Byzantine church and a mosaic inscription mentioning the Apostle Peter.