US Congress Empowers Trump to Impose Severe Sanctions on Nigeria, Details Emerge

• The U.S. Congress has granted President Donald Trump authority to impose tough sanctions on Nigeria due to the reported deaths of Christians
• Congressman Chris Smith criticized Nigeria’s government for failing to stop religious violence, citing over 55,000 killings and 21,000 abductions between 2019 and 2023
• The decision follows a hearing featuring Bishop Wilfred Anagbe’s testimony on Fulani herdsmen attacks

The United States Congress has authorized President Donald Trump to pursue stringent sanctions against Nigeria, responding to alarming data that Nigerians constitute 90 percent of Christians killed globally each year.

The decision emerged from a congressional hearing led by Chris Smith, Chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, who accused the Nigerian government of negligence in curbing religious violence.

Nigerian clergyman testifies to 'religious cleansing'

During the session, lawmakers heard compelling accounts, including from Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of Makurdi, who labeled militant Fulani herdsmen as unchecked terrorists wreaking havoc across communities.

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Smith pointed to a report from the Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa, which revealed that between 2019 and 2023, more than 55,000 people were killed and 21,000 abducted in religiously motivated attacks.

He argued that these figures expose a dire failure of governance, necessitating urgent international action.

Smith also took aim at the prior Biden administration for delisting Nigeria from the Country of Particular Concern (CPC) roster, a status Trump had imposed during his first term. He has now revived a resolution to reinstate that designation and press for sanctions if the bloodshed persists.

“This hearing should be a catalyst for action,” Smith declared, suggesting that punitive measures have historically driven progress where applied.

The congressman expressed optimism that Trump would leverage this mandate to confront Nigerian President Bola Tinubu directly, pushing for accountability and an end to what he called “religious cleansing.”

The move signals a potential shift in U.S.-Nigeria relations, with economic and diplomatic repercussions looming if the violence against Christians continues unabated.

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Gunmen kill popular Pastor in Gombe

Earlier, Legit.ng reported the Lubo community in Yamaltu-Deba local government area of Gombe state had been thrown into mourning as gunmen suspected to be armed robbers reportedly killed a Christian clergyman, Reverend Bala Galadima.

Galadima is the presiding pastor at the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) worship centre in the Lubo community.

Leadership reported that the hoodlums killed the cleric in the early hours of Monday, February 10, at his residence.

Reacting, Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gomba state, condemned what he described as the "heartless murder" of the clergyman.

The governor, in a statement by his media aide, Isma’ila Uba Misilli, expressed deep sorrow over the killing and directed security agencies to track down the murderers.

“Governor Inuwa Yahaya strongly condemned the reprehensible act, describing it as an assault on the peace and security that Gombe State has long enjoyed.

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“The governor stressed that such incidents must not be allowed to undermine the peaceful coexistence in the state”, the statement said.

He extended his condolences to the bereaved family, the ECWA Church, and the entire Christian community and prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased.

Gunmen kill popular varsity professor

Similarly, Legit.ng reported that Professor Emeka Chukwuma, a prominent lecturer at Delta State University, Abraka, was tragically assassinated in his hometown of Umueji, Asaba.

The killing has sparked fear and concern among Asaba residents, who are alarmed by rising insecurity, including recent reports of kidnappings and killings in the area.

Delta State Police have confirmed the incident and assured the public that investigations are underway to apprehend those responsible for Professor Chukwuma's murder.

Source: Legit.ng