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.

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