The State Department spokesman on Tuesday released a statement exclusive to Newsmax on widespread anti-Christian violence in Nigeria.
"The United States remains deeply concerned about the levels of violence in Nigeria, including the threats posted by terrorist groups like Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa in northern Nigeria, and in the impact that violence has on all communities," the spokesman said. "Violent extremist groups target a wide range of civilians and military targets as part of their broader campaign against a secular state."
For months, reports of anti-Christian violence have come from Nigeria and signs are strong that attacks are on the rise. A Roman Catholic priest, Rev. Alphonsus Afin, was kidnapped by Islamic extremist group Boko Haram in Nigeria's Borno state on June 1, according to U.S. News and World Report.
The Christian Daily International and Morning Star News reported Fulani-jihadists had killed 86 Christians elsewhere on the same day.
In its statement to Newsmax regarding the attacks, the State Department stated its commitment to addressing the violence along with the Nigerian government to ensure the right to religious freedom.
U.S. officials designated Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Entities of Particular Concern under the International Religious Freedom Act.
"In addition to massive violent human rights abuses, [Boko Haram and ISIS West Africa] have interfered with the ability of Christians to freely exercise their faith," said the spokesperson.
Roman Catholics make up 10.6% of Nigeria's population and other Christians make up 35.3%; 53.5% of the country is Muslim.
According to a report provided to Newsmax from the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi's Foundation for Justice, there is evidence of even more violence. The report states that an attack in Lower West Africa killed a father, teenage son, and a 2-year-old child, leaving only the wife and mother alive with severe injuries.
"The incident followed an assault on Mr. Clement Awarga Kutar, a 67-year-old farmer, whose cassava farm was destroyed before he was brutally attacked and injured," the Foundation For Justice's report maintains, adding that the attacks left at least 36 dead, nine injured, and two abducted, including Catholic officials.
This is not a new occurrence.
According to the State Department, "[o]ver the past 15 years, violent extremist groups have forced thousands of Nigerians to flee their homes or seek refuge in camps for internally displaced persons."
The U.S. government is providing varied assistance to targeted populations, including food and shelter, and "partners with the Government of Nigeria to strengthen Nigeria's counterterrorism capabilities, working together toward the elimination of terrorist organizations and their networks of support."
In response to the rising violence, the FJDP is calling for further support.
"The recurring nature of these assaults underscores the urgent need for strengthened security presence, early warning systems, and conflict-resolution mechanisms to protect vulnerable populations and ensure the safety of agricultural zones critical to both local and national food supply," according to Community Based Protection Assistant Ori Hope Emmanuel of the FJDP, citing the region's role in food production for the country as a troubling larger implication of more attacks continuing.
Pope Leo XIV spoke on the matter during his Holy Trinity Sunday speech at St. Peter's Basilica on June 15.
"Some 200 people were murdered with extraordinary cruelty," said the pontiff. "Most of the victims were internal refugees who were hosted by a local Catholic mission."
Newsmax will track developments in this story.
Olivia D'Angelo is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Asheville and a summer intern with John Gizzi.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.