Five Republican lawmakers in the United States have introduced a bill in the House of Representatives seeking to mandate the Secretary of State to submit a comprehensive report on US efforts to address alleged religious persecution and mass atrocities in Nigeria.
The proposed legislation, if passed into law, would require the Departments of State and Treasury to consider sanctions against individuals or entities found responsible for severe violations of religious freedom in Nigeria. Such sanctions could include visa restrictions and the freezing of assets under US jurisdiction.
Among those named in the bill for potential sanctions are Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State and national leader of the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP); the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN); Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore; and groups described in the proposal as Fulani ethnic nomad militias operating in Nigeria.
The bill reflects growing concern among some US lawmakers over the security situation in Nigeria, particularly incidents framed as religiously motivated violence. There has been no immediate response from the individuals and organisations mentioned in the proposed legislation.
