2023 Report by U.S. Agency Claims Nigerian Government Permitted Religious Extremists to Attack, Resulting in the Deaths of Hundreds of Christians

The 2024 annual report from the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has highlighted the grim situation in Nigeria where religious extremism has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of citizens. 

Throughout 2023, religious violence was prevalent, with both government negligence and active extremist groups contributing to the turmoil.

The report particularly points to the Nigerian federal and state governments' failure to adequately address and curb the violence, which has predominantly targeted Christian communities. This negligence has manifested through delayed responses to imminent threats and insufficient actions following attacks, allowing the perpetration of violence with little to no consequence.

In terms of geographical impact, the states most affected include Borno, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Adamawa, and Benue. These regions saw the highest levels of violence, with numerous incidents of killings, abductions, and assaults on religious figures and worshippers.

For instance, data from Intersociety, a Nigerian NGO, suggested that in 2023, various insurgent groups and armed gangs, sometimes in collusion with government forces, were responsible for the deaths of 8,222 Christians in Nigeria. Specific incidents cited in the USCIRF report include extremist attacks in Benue State, where 414 individuals were killed, and violent gangs killing 450 Christians across three northeastern states between May and June 2023.

The USCIRF report also highlights the assassination of religious leaders as a particularly egregious aspect of the violence. Notable incidents include the murder of Father Isaac Achi and the assault on Father Collins Omeh in the Paikoro region. Additionally, pastor Dominic Dajo and his wife were killed in Benue State, and in Nasarawa State, pastor Daniel Danbeki, his wife, and 41 others were slain by Fulani herders.

Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) remain active and deadly, with numerous attacks throughout the year. For instance, Boko Haram was responsible for multiple killings, including 37 people in Yobe State in February and another 40 in October. In a rare positive outcome, the Nigerian army was able to rescue two women kidnapped by Boko Haram in 2014.

The situation with blasphemy laws also remains concerning. The USCIRF report underscores ongoing detentions and inadequate judicial processes for those accused of blasphemy, often leading to deadly mob violence. For example, two individuals implicated in the mob murder of Deborah Samuel were released without charges in Sokoto State, and a similar fate befell Usman Buda, who was stoned to death after being accused of insulting the Prophet Muhammad.

The application of Sharia law in twelve northern Nigerian states continues to exacerbate tensions and violence, particularly impacting religious minorities and dissenting voices within Islam. Several individuals remain imprisoned on blasphemy charges, including prominent figures like Mubarak Bala and Yahaya Sharif-Aminu.

In conclusion, the USCIRF report paints a dire picture of religious freedom in Nigeria, where state and non-state actors alike contribute to an environment of impunity and fear. This troubling scenario calls for urgent and comprehensive measures from both the Nigerian government and international bodies to protect religious freedom and hold perpetrators accountable.