US lawmaker condemns Palm Sunday incident in Plateau State that killed at least 30 people...

A U.S. lawmaker, Mark Harris, has called for sanctions against Nigeria, raising concerns over what he described as rising violence against Christians.

In a letter dated April 2, 2026, addressed to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Harris condemned the persecution of Christians in both Nigeria and Syria, urging immediate action from the United States.

CBI News reports that he called on the State Department to ensure that both countries take “decisive action to protect innocent Christians,” noting that affected communities “continue to be terrorised, displaced, and killed for their faith.”

“The escalating persecution of Christians in both Nigeria and Syria demands immediate attention from the United States. Attacks on the Church are not merely political disturbances or unfortunate byproducts of instability,” Harris wrote.

“They are assaults on human dignity, religious liberty, and the most basic God-given rights that every country has a duty to protect.”

While acknowledging previous U.S. efforts, Harris stated that under the leadership of President Donald Trump and Rubio, the U.S. had acted with “moral clarity” in defending religious freedom.

He cited measures such as redesignating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and taking action against extremist groups accused of targeting Christian communities.

Despite this, the lawmaker said recent developments remain alarming.

“At the same time, the recent reports and videos coming out of both Syria and Nigeria are deeply disturbing,” he noted.

Referring to violence in Nigeria, Harris highlighted reports that at least 30 people were killed during a Palm Sunday attack in Plateau State, describing it as “another horrifying reminder that Christians in parts of Nigeria continue to face deadly violence with far too little protection or accountability from the Nigerian government.”

He argued that such incidents are not isolated.

The lawmaker said: “The fact is, these are not isolated incidents. They are part of a broader and growing pattern of anti-Christian violence plaguing both countries at the hands of Islamic militants, while both governments continue to either ignore or downplay the severity of these attacks, and Christians continue to pay the price.”

Harris also demanded answers from the State Department on steps already taken.

“What specific diplomatic steps has the Department taken in response to the recent attacks on Christians in Nigeria and Syria to ensure each government takes action against those responsible for committing these atrocities?” he asked.

He further questioned what consequences the U.S. might impose if both governments fail to act, including the possibility of sanctions, visa restrictions, or aid conditions.

“What consequences is the Department prepared to impose… if they fail to act decisively to protect Christians and other religious minorities within their borders?” he queried.

The congressman stressed the urgency of the situation, especially during Holy Week.

“This urgency is only heightened as Christians around the world observe Holy Week and remember the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ,” he said.

He added that many Christians in affected regions are forced to live in fear.

“Far too many Christians in places like Nigeria and Syria are instead forced to worship in fear, grieve loved ones lost to violence, or wonder whether they will be targeted next simply for living out and practicing their faith.”