International
AVID Urges Nigeria To Address Global Concerns Over Attacks On Christians
By our Correspondent
A coalition of American-based advocacy organizations has called on the Nigerian government to take seriously the growing international alarm over alleged attacks on Christians in parts of the country.
The Coalition of American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), in collaboration with Ambassadors for Self-Determination and Rising Sun, made the call in a joint statement signed by Dr. Sylvester Onyia and made available to THE WHISTLER on Thursday.
The groups were reacting to comments credited to the Nigerian government dismissing reports of widespread persecution as “malicious narratives intended to discredit Nigeria.”
In recent weeks, several U.S. lawmakers have voiced concern about the safety of Christians and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria’s northern and Middle Belt regions. Some have urged the U.S. State Department to re-designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) for religious freedom violations — a designation it held briefly in 2020 before being removed the following year.
The senator whose statement triggered the recent debate had called for “stronger international engagement” to ensure accountability for perpetrators of attacks on Christian communities.
The coalition welcomed renewed U.S. attention to Nigeria’s human-rights situation, emphasizing that constructive international dialogue could help address long-standing grievances linked to faith-based violence.
“We acknowledge Nigeria’s sovereignty,” the statement read, “but sovereignty should not be a shield for violations of fundamental human rights. The concern of the international community is not Nigeria’s unity, but the safety and dignity of all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity.”
The coalition noted that hundreds of Christian worship centers and villages have come under attack over the past decade — incidents often attributed to bandits, insurgents, or communal clashes. It urged the Nigerian government to intensify efforts to safeguard at-risk communities and ensure justice for victims of religiously motivated violence.
The Nigerian government has consistently denied allegations of religious persecution, maintaining that the conflicts are driven by criminality, resource competition, and security challenges rather than religion. Officials have also cited ongoing military operations against insurgent and criminal groups as evidence of their commitment to protecting all Nigerians.
In a recent response, the government reaffirmed its dedication to “upholding the rule of law, protecting human rights, and fostering interfaith harmony,” while urging foreign observers and lawmakers to verify claims before drawing conclusions about the country’s internal affairs.
While acknowledging these assurances, the coalition stressed that international oversight remains crucial to ensuring transparency and accountability. It appealed to the U.S. Congress and the United Nations Human Rights Council to continue monitoring developments in Nigeria and to support humanitarian initiatives in conflict-affected regions.
The statement also called for constructive collaboration between the Nigerian government, faith-based organizations, and civil-society groups to prevent further violence and rebuild trust among religious communities.
“Lasting peace,” it added, “will come only when all sides commit to justice, dialogue, and reconciliation.”
The coalition further urged the Nigerian government to review cases of individuals detained over self-determination or political activism — including Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) — whose prolonged detention has drawn widespread domestic and international attention.
It described Kanu’s case as “an opportunity for the government to demonstrate adherence to constitutional and judicial principles.”
Reaffirming that its goal was not to disparage Nigeria, the coalition said it seeks to encourage reforms that promote human rights and interfaith harmony.
“Nigeria’s image abroad,” it stated, “is best defended through justice at home. The government can strengthen trust with both citizens and international partners by confronting these issues transparently.”
The groups expressed optimism that sustained dialogue between Nigeria and its global partners would help advance peace and religious freedom across the country.