The United States Congress is returning to the issue of rising violence in Nigeria following its initial round of hearings recently.

Lawmakers are set to review fresh evidence and hear further testimony on the escalating attacks and alleged persecution of Christians, a matter that has drawn international attention and heightened concerns over the country’s security situation.

Experts from the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, alongside other specialists, are expected to provide updates and insights during the session.

The reconvening of Congress underscores the continued scrutiny on Nigeria, as lawmakers seek to determine possible measures the US could take to support the protection of vulnerable communities and address the growing insecurity.

The session will be led by Mario Díaz-Balart, Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee and Chair of its National Security Subcommittee. Lawmakers from the House Appropriations, Foreign Affairs, and Financial Services Committees are expected to attend.

Representatives from the US Commission on International Religious Freedom and other experts will provide insights during the meeting. The briefing aims “to highlight the rising violence and targeted persecution of Christians in Nigeria.”

The roundtable will collect testimony to support a report ordered by former President Donald Trump on the killings of Christians in Nigeria and explore ways Congress could support the White House in protecting vulnerable religious communities worldwide.

US Congressman Riley Moore tweeted:

“President Trump asked me and @HouseAppropsGOP to investigate the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. As part of this investigation, the committee is hosting a roundtable to continue building on the work we’ve done so far. We will never turn a blind eye to our brothers and sisters.”

This comes as both Washington and the Nigerian government step up security talks following a surge in terrorist attacks. Recently, President Bola Tinubu approved Nigeria’s delegation to the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group, which aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation on counterterrorism. National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu will lead the Nigerian team, which includes senior officials from several government agencies.

International attention on Nigeria’s security situation has grown since former US President Trump claimed Christians were being targeted for “genocide.”

The Nigerian government has rejected this claim, stating that insecurity affects both Muslims and Christians across the country.

Source; PM News