Christian Leaders Thank Trump for Pressure on Nigeria over Massacre of Christians at Vigil in Washington (Worthy News Focus)

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent

ABUJA / WASHINGTON (Worthy News) – A coalition of American Christian leaders gathered on the steps of the U.S. Capitol on Friday to pray and “thank President Donald J. Trump” for reportedly designating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over the killing of thousands of Christians by Islamic groups.

They also urged the U.S. Congress to advance legislation protecting persecuted believers, as abductions and violence continue to rise across Nigeria, considered one of the most dangerous nations in the world for Christians.

The prayer vigil began at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the southeastern steps of the U.S. Capitol, on the House of Representatives side, under a banner reading “Protect The Persecuted Church.”

The gathering followed a letter signed by an influential group of Christian advocates, legal experts, and former members of Congress, calling for sustained U.S. government action to address the worsening crisis.

Reverend Patrick Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, said the “murder of 35 Christians every single day and 380 million Christians facing persecution and violence worldwide is a crime against humanity that demands more than words.”

Mahoney added that Nigeria’s CPC designation reflects a “severe threat faced by the Body of Christ,” citing “mass killings, kidnappings, forced conversions and government inaction” in regions such as the country’s Middle Belt.

He explained in a statement sent to Worthy News that the coalition hopes the U.S. action will lead to stronger diplomatic pressure, targeted sanctions, and strategic support for vulnerable Christian communities.

NIGERIAN CLERIC REFUSES RANSOM IF ABDUCTED

His remarks came while a video circulating online allegedly shows a Nigerian cleric declaring, “If I am kidnapped, no one should pay a ransom. My blood will be the payment.”

The cleric, reportedly from Plateau State, appealed to his family and congregation for clarity, saying his life is under threat. While the full identity and verification are still under review, the clip has gone viral, reinforcing widespread fears among Nigerian Christians about targeted kidnappings of pastors and church leaders.

Mahoney thanked U.S. Representatives Riley Moore and Chris Smith and Senator Ted Cruz for supporting efforts to pressure Nigeria to protect Christians.

He urged congressional leaders — including Senator Jim Risch and Representative Robert Aderholt — to prioritise legislation “to end impunity, force repeal of blasphemy laws, and use every diplomatic and security tool of the U.S. government to protect afflicted Christians.”

President Trump has intensified his language toward Nigeria’s government. He reportedly instructed the U.S. Defense Department to prepare for possible “fast” military action in Nigeria if authorities fail to stop killings of Christians, according to U.S. officials.

Trump publicly warned that the United States could “immediately stop all aid and assistance” to Nigeria and that U.S. troops or air strikes “could be” deployed if violence worsens.

Nigeria has said it would welcome U.S. help in fighting Islamist insurgents “as long as its territorial integrity is respected,” responding to threats of military action by Trump over what he said was the ill treatment of Christians in the West African country.

VIOLENT PLACE FOR CHRISTIANS

Nigeria is ranked #7 on the Open Doors World Watch List of the most dangerous countries for Christians.

The nation experiences extreme levels of persecution, including thousands of Christian deaths each year — mostly from Islamist militants, Fulani extremists, and bandit groups across Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, Niger, and parts of Borno State, church observers and U.S. officials say.

More than 7,000 Christians were killed in the first seven months of 2025 alone, according to Christian sources. While those figures were difficult to verify immediately, since 2009, at least 52,000 Christians have been reported killed for their faith in Nigeria.

Church leaders say they will continue to monitor congressional action and expect the U.S. Embassy in Abuja to open a new inter-faith liaison desk next quarter. They warned of a looming “tipping point” if kidnappings and attacks continue unchecked.

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