Headline: Senate Sets Up 12-Man Committee to Investigate Christian Genocide Claims in Nigeria

Senate Sets Up 12-Man Committee to Investigate Christian Genocide Claims in Nigeria.

The Nigerian Senate has constituted a 12-man ad hoc committee to investigate alarming claims of genocide and targeted attacks against Christian communities in various parts of the country. This decision followed intense debates during Tuesday’s plenary session, where several senators expressed deep concern over the growing insecurity and religious tensions.

The motion, raised by Senator Danjuma La’ah representing Southern Kaduna, cited numerous reports of mass killings, abductions, and destruction of churches in predominantly Christian communities. He called for an urgent national response, emphasizing that the pattern of attacks could no longer be dismissed as random acts of violence.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio approved the formation of the committee and charged its members with conducting a thorough and unbiased investigation into the allegations. He noted that Nigeria’s unity and religious tolerance must be preserved and protected at all costs.

 The 12-man panel is drawn from various geopolitical zones and political parties, ensuring balanced representation. The committee has been mandated to visit affected communities, engage with security agencies, religious leaders, civil society groups, and report its findings within four weeks.

Several lawmakers raised the alarm over what they described as systematic attacks that have gone unpunished. They argued that the federal government must not downplay the religious dimensions of ongoing violence, particularly in the Middle Belt and parts of the North.

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe emphasized that Nigeria must confront uncomfortable truths if it hopes to end the cycle of violence. He called on the committee to remain transparent and base its conclusions on verified facts and community testimonies.

Meanwhile, Christian groups across the country have welcomed the Senate’s move, stating that it brings a sense of hope and recognition to victims whose voices have long been ignored. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) urged the committee to take its task seriously and avoid politicizing the matter.

Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have also weighed in, encouraging the Senate to ensure justice and accountability, regardless of who is found culpable.

The Senate reassured Nigerians that the committee’s findings would be made public and used to shape legislation and national security reforms. The goal, they say, is to ensure that no Nigerian is targeted based on religion or ethnicity.

As the committee prepares to begin its nationwide inquiry, Nigerians are watching closely, hoping that this move will be a turning point in addressing religious violence and restoring peace across affected regions.