501 European Lawmakers Urge Nigerian Government to Protect Christians, Tackle Insecurity

The European Parliament has called on the Nigerian Government to intensify efforts to combat insecurity and protect vulnerable communities, particularly Christians in the country’s Middle Belt region.

The call followed the adoption of a resolution by the Parliament condemning recent attacks on Christian communities and urging Nigerian authorities to bring perpetrators to justice.

A total of 501 lawmakers voted in favour of the resolution, while one voted against it and 86 abstained.

The lawmakers expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in parts of Nigeria, especially Plateau State, where several communities have experienced repeated attacks in recent months.

They cited the June 22 attack on Kawel village in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, during which more than 20 Christians, including a pastor, were reportedly killed by armed assailants.

The Parliament urged Nigerian authorities to strengthen security operations against terrorist groups, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), while enhancing measures to protect civilians.

It also called for independent investigations into violent attacks and stressed the need to end impunity by ensuring those responsible are prosecuted.

According to the resolution, the Federal Government should improve early warning systems, strengthen civilian protection mechanisms and invest in conflict prevention efforts across affected communities.

Speaking during the debate, Slovak lawmaker Miriam Lexmann described the killings in Kawel as another tragic example of the violence affecting Christian communities in Nigeria.

“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,” she said.

Lexmann added that the incident was not isolated, claiming that Nigeria had become one of the most dangerous places in the world for Christians.

The European Parliament’s resolution comes amid continued international concern over insecurity in Nigeria, where attacks by terrorist groups, bandits and other armed criminal groups have claimed thousands of lives and displaced many communities.

The lawmakers urged the Nigerian Government to take decisive action to restore security, protect all citizens regardless of religion or ethnicity, and ensure accountability for those responsible for violent attacks across the country.