501 European Lawmakers Warn FG Over Attacks on Christians in Middle Belt

The European Parliament has called on the Federal Government to take stronger action against insecurity in Nigeria’s Middle Belt following growing concerns over attacks on Christian communities in the region.

A total of 501 lawmakers voted in support of a resolution condemning the killings and urging Nigerian authorities to improve security measures, protect vulnerable communities and ensure that perpetrators of violence are brought to justice.

The resolution was passed with overwhelming support, while only one lawmaker voted against it and 86 abstained.

European lawmakers expressed concern over the worsening security situation in parts of Nigeria, particularly in Plateau State, where several communities have come under repeated attacks in recent months.

The Parliament specifically referenced the June 22 attack on Kawel village in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, where more than 20 Christians, including a pastor, were reportedly killed during a night raid by armed assailants.

Lawmakers said Nigerian authorities must intensify efforts against terrorist groups operating across the country, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

They also called for independent investigations into violent attacks and stressed the need to end what they described as a culture of impunity.

The resolution further urged the Federal Government to strengthen civilian protection mechanisms, improve early warning systems and invest in conflict prevention efforts across affected regions.

Beyond security concerns, the European Parliament called for policies aimed at addressing factors fueling violence, including environmental pressures, land disputes and food insecurity. It also urged authorities to provide adequate support for internally displaced persons affected by ongoing conflicts.

During discussions on the resolution, several lawmakers raised concerns about the safety of Christian communities in Nigeria.

Slovak lawmaker Miriam Lexmann described the killings in Kawel as another tragic example of the violence affecting Christian populations in parts of the country.

“The horrific attacks in Kawel Village where innocent Christians including their pastor were brutally killed is yet another tragic reminder of escalating violence against Christians in communities in Nigeria.

“Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. Nigeria has become one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a Christian.”

She called on Nigerian authorities to take stronger measures against armed groups responsible for attacks and urged European institutions to continue monitoring the situation.

The Parliament also expressed concern over the growing number of abductions across Nigeria, noting that women and girls often suffer the most severe consequences.

Lawmakers reaffirmed their support for freedom of religion and pledged solidarity with affected communities in Plateau State and other parts of the country facing similar challenges.

The resolution is the latest in a series of actions taken by the European Parliament on issues relating to religious freedom and insecurity in Nigeria.

Over the past few years, the Parliament has repeatedly debated cases involving attacks on Christian communities, religious freedom concerns and the country’s controversial blasphemy laws.

However, European lawmakers maintained that continued violence against religious communities remains a major concern and called on Nigerian authorities to fulfil their responsibility to protect citizens regardless of faith or background.