Jacob McGee, the Deputy Assistant Secretary at the US Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, has strongly defended the decision to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) under former President Donald Trump.
McGee made this defence on Thursday during a public hearing of the US Congress reviewing Nigeria’s religious freedom situation.
US: Nigeria Failing to Protect Christians
Speaking before lawmakers, McGee referenced the 2022 killing of Deborah Samuel, a student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, who was lynched by a mob over allegations of blasphemy. He said the incident illustrates Nigeria’s worsening religious freedom conditions.
According to McGee, the United States “stands ready to champion the rights of Christians,” stressing that the annual International Religious Freedom (IRF) reports have consistently documented severe and escalating violations in Nigeria.
He stated that violence targeting Christian communities—particularly in the Middle Belt—has become alarming.
“Ample witness testimonies have confirmed attackers used religious language during their attacks and specifically targeted Christians for killing, abduction and rape.”
US Accuses Nigerian Government of Failing to Act
McGee accused the Nigerian government of failing to protect citizens and religious leaders who speak out. He cited Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and Father Remigius, who allegedly received threats rather than protection after testifying before US lawmakers.
He also condemned Nigeria’s blasphemy laws, enforced under Sharia penal codes in 12 states, noting that Nigeria is one of only eight countries in the world where blasphemy is punishable by death.
“When authorities detain individuals accused of blasphemy, the judicial process often takes years… Mobs often take the law into their own hands with impunity.”
The killing of Deborah Samuel, he said, is a tragic example — stressing that her killers remain free.
US Vows Continued Pressure on Nigerian Government
McGee warned that the US will continue to monitor religious violations and will “act until the Nigerian government protects vulnerable Christians and holds perpetrators accountable.”
According to him, the IRF Act mandates US foreign policy to call out countries that violate religious freedom, insisting that the situation in Nigeria meets the criteria for CPC designation.
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