US Bill Targets Nigerian Figures for Alleged Christian Persecution

The proposed US bill, titled the "Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act 2026," targets individuals and groups in Nigeria, such as former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), for alleged involvement in religious freedom violations. Introduced by US Congressman Rep.

Rilei Moor and co-sponsored by Rep. Chris Smith, the bill includes sanctions like visa bans and asset freezes.

It also calls for increased humanitarian assistance to affected communities in Nigeria's Middle Belt region. The bill comes amid escalating violence and tensions in Nigeria, with the US showing concern over religious freedom violations and terrorism in the country.

The Nigerian government has rejected claims of religious war, attributing the security challenges to factors like banditry and land resource competition. The bill is part of efforts to address these issues and protect persecuted Christians in Nigeria.