The United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs has condemned the abduction of more than 160 worshippers from churches in Kaduna State, warning that Washington will not tolerate violence against Christians in Nigeria.
Bandits had attacked congregants during church services in the Kure area of Kajuru Local Government Area on Sunday, abducting over 160 worshippers.
Although the Kaduna State Government and the Nigerian Police Force initially denied the incident, authorities later confirmed on Wednesday that the abduction did take place.
Sources familiar with the incident disclosed that the abductors are demanding the return of 17 motorcycles, valued at about ₦28.9 million, allegedly seized during recent military operations, as a condition for releasing the victims.
Reacting to the incident, the United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs, in a statement posted on its verified 𝕏 account on Wednesday, strongly condemned the attack.
The committee stated, “This past Sunday, Islamic terrorists in Nigeria raided churches and kidnapped more than 168 Christians.
“President Trump made it clear: We cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria. The United States will not tolerate the massacre of innocent Christians.”
Similarly, the United States Under Secretary for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, condemned the attack and urged the Nigerian government to take stronger steps to protect Christian communities and guarantee freedom of worship.
Hooker spoke at a high-level United States–Nigeria Working Group meeting held in Abuja on Thursday.
According to her, Nigerian authorities must do more to ensure the safety of Christians and safeguard their constitutional right to practise their faith without fear.