Nigerian Americans Rally at Capitol to Demand Recognition of Christian Genocide in Nigeria

On the grounds of the Capitol earlier this month, hundreds of Nigerian Americans and their supporters gathered to urge Congress to pass a bill recognizing that there is Christian genocide in Nigeria.

Among the speakers was Stephen Osemwegie, president and founder of Save Nigeria Group USA, who praised lawmakers who have spoken out on the genocide, such as Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.

He also hailed President Donald Trump for his words on the growing crisis in Nigeria. On Nov. 1, the president officially labeled Nigeria a “country of particular concern”—meaning that a country violates religious freedom, according to the U.S. government’s definition.

“Christians are not allowed to be armed when they even try to defend themselves,” Osemwegie stated. “A man called Sunday Jackson is facing the death penalty for defending himself against an attack. So we’re completely depending on the courage of people like Trump.”

The event lasted two hours and began with prayer, followed by the crowd singing the hymn “Blessed Assurance.” Protesters displayed signs condemning the persecution, with one reading that 52,000 named Christians have been killed in Nigeria since 2009.

One of the marchers told reporters that many Nigerians in the United States working as doctors and in other needed occupations want to return home, “but it is too dangerous.”

On congressional action regarding the issue, Sen. Ted Cruz and Sen. John Thune, R-South Dakota, have both requested a Senate floor vote that, according to Save Nigeria Group USA, “imposes sanctions on terror sponsors, restricts funding pipelines, and pressures Nigerian officials enabling atrocities.”

In the House of Representatives, Reps. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, and Riley Moore, R-West Virginia, proposed a bill recognizing the Christian genocide and supporting President Trump’s demands for accountability. The measure also called for stronger U.S. intervention through means such as sanctioning travel for Nigerian leaders who violate religious freedom.

When asked if the persecution in Nigeria can be ended, Osemwegie believes that with the right people in the U.S. calling for its end and President Trump keeping to his word about stopping aid to Nigeria, the genocide can be ended “once and for all.”