UK MPs Urge Starmer to Address Christian Killings in Nigeria

A group of UK Members of Parliament (MPs) is urging Prime Minister Keir Starmer to confront Nigerian President Bola Tinubu regarding the killings of Christians in Nigeria during Tinubu's upcoming state visit to the UK. This visit marks the first Nigerian presidential state visit to the UK in 37 years, with Tinubu accompanied by his wife, Oluremi Tinubu.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Freedom of Religion or Belief, led by Chairman Jim Shannon, has expressed concerns about the Nigerian government's inadequate response to attacks on Christians. They have requested that Starmer emphasize human rights during discussions with Tinubu, particularly regarding the case of Leah Sharibu, one of the 110 schoolgirls kidnapped in 2018.

The group has sent a letter signed by 209 MPs and peers, urging the UK government to press for concrete steps to prevent the harassment and persecution of Christians in Nigeria. Additionally, Tinubu is set to meet with the new Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, during his visit.