Washington, D.C. — A United States lawmaker, Ted Cruz, has accused some Nigerian officials of being involved in violence targeting Christians, making the claim during a recent hearing on religious persecution.
Cruz alleged that Nigeria records the highest number of Christians killed for their faith anywhere in the world. He stated that since 2009, more than 50,000 Christians have been killed, while over 20,000 churches, schools, and other religious buildings have been destroyed.
“Nigerian officials had been, unfortunately, complicit in facilitating these atrocities,” Cruz said, while also criticizing what he described as a slow response from Nigerian authorities in addressing insecurity.
He linked part of the violence to the implementation of Sharia law in some northern states and expressed concern over what he called repeated failures to stop ongoing attacks. Cruz also recalled earlier meetings with Nigerian defense and security officials, where assurances were given that the situation would improve, but said those promises have not yet been fulfilled.
Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the Nigerian federal government were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
However, former Minister of Information under late President Muhammadu Buhari, Lai Mohammed, speaking in the United Kingdom, challenged the claim. He said more Muslims than Christians have been killed in attacks carried out by insurgent groups such as Boko Haram.
The conflicting statements reflect ongoing debate over the nature and impact of violence in Nigeria, where insecurity driven by insurgency, banditry, and communal clashes continues to affect multiple communities across the country.