News
Christian Killings: US moves to impose visa ban, asset freeze on Kwankwaso, Miyetti Allah
U.S. President Donald Trump was commended by the sponsors for redesignating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
Five United States lawmakers have introduced legislation seeking visa restrictions and asset freezes against former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), and two other entities over alleged violations of religious freedom in Nigeria.
The proposed measure, titled the “Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026”, was presented by Congressmen Chris Smith, Riley Moore, Brian Mast, Mario Diaz-Balart, and Bill Huizenga. It mandates the U.S. Secretary of State to provide regular reports to Congress on Nigeria’s compliance with international religious freedom standards and on measures taken to protect vulnerable communities.
If enacted, the bill would empower U.S. authorities to consider targeted sanctions, including visa bans and asset freezes under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. It would also support humanitarian interventions, co-funded by the Nigerian government, through trusted civil society and faith-based organisations in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
The lawmakers cited long-standing religious violence in Nigeria, noting that between 50,000 and 125,000 Christians were killed from 2009 to 2025, with over 19,000 churches destroyed. Specific attacks referenced include massacres in Yelwata, the Christmas Eve attacks of 2023 and 2024, and Holy Week and Easter attacks in 2024 and 2025, which displaced over half a million people.
Cases such as Rhoda Jatau and Deborah Yakubu, who faced mob violence or death over alleged blasphemy, were highlighted to underscore the alleged impunity enjoyed by perpetrators. The bill also notes that Nigeria accounts for 72 per cent of Christians killed worldwide, according to Open Doors’ 2026 Watch List.
The legislation specifies potential targets for U.S. sanctions:
Fulani-ethnic nomad militias in Nigeria
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Kano State Governor
Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN)
Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore
The bill also encourages collaboration with international partners, including France, Hungary, and the United Kingdom, to promote religious freedom, peace, and protection of vulnerable communities.
U.S. lawmakers emphasized that future relations between the United States and Nigeria could hinge on the Nigerian government’s response to religious violence, suggesting that proactive measures could bolster Nigeria’s role in regional stability, particularly in the Sahel, and strengthen bilateral ties with Washington.
Follow Us on Google Discover
Enugu NYSC death: NAFDAC debunks claims linking corps members death to fake drugs
33 Governors cannot be wrong in supporting Tinubu – Bayo Onanuga
Security forces arrest five suspects over abduction of 20 NYSC members in Imo
Rugby star Hyron Andrews dies at 31 after accidental fall in South Africa
LAUTECH Resident Doctors halt 50-day strike as Makinde intervenes
House Officers, Nurses, Radiographers, Others wanted as DELSUTH opens recruitment – Apply Now
FG raises health fund allocation to N40.76bn, extends insurance to prison inmates
Erisco Foods announces 13 job openings across Nigeria – Apply Now
Tinubu reappoints Bala Bila as INEC commissioner, nominates six others
2027: ‘Don’t trust your destiny to ‘kalokalo’ people’ – Wike warns Rivers voters against Atiku, Amaechi, Obi
BREAKING: Cross River PDP Chairman Venatius Ikem resigns, cites leadership crisis
Real Madrid call for immediate resignation of La Liga President over controversial remarks
BREAKING: Oyebanji makes history as first Ekiti Governor to win second consecutive term
Atiku fully fit, ready to campaign in all 36 states, interact with Nigerians – ADC PCC
2027: Tinubu afraid to face Nigerians, has no business seeking re-election — Atiku campaign council
Erisco Foods announces 13 job openings across Nigeria – Apply Now
2027: Atiku, Obi, Makinde, Adebayo, Duke hold talks with six opposition parties
‘You Betrayed Osun People’ — Adeleke, Davido face backlash over support for Tinubu
Ex-Senator Bello Mandiya’s body found in Abuja home three days after he slipped, hit his head in the bathroom
JUST IN: Finnish Appeal Court reduces Simon Ekpa’s jail term to four years, upholds terrorism conviction
Tinubu reappoints Bala Bila as INEC commissioner, nominates six others
Zamfara govt set to empower 36,176 residents with Dangote shares
Umahi reopens first Niger bridge after emergency repairs, displays Tinubu’s photos
Over 10 soldiers, four civilians feared dead as Boko Haram terrorists attack Borno military base
‘I love Islam, I’ve sent people to Mecca to pray for me, Nigeria for 25 years’ – Akpabio
Tension escalates as thugs attack NDC secretariat in Edo, destroy properties
Lagos govt announces 3-day traffic diversion on Independence bridge for emergency repairs
Tension mounts as NLC rejects FG’s response to 14-day ultimatum
‘Local champion’ – Donald Duke takes fresh swipe at Gov Diri over Lagos-Calabar coastal highway
