US Issues Visa Ban On Nigerians Involved In Anti-Christian Violence

The United States of America (USA) has come hard on anti-Christian violence perpetrators in Nigerian by slamming visa ban orders on them.

The visa ban order is is part of Washington’s targeting of Nigerians supposedly opposed to religious freedom and have been targeting Christians particularly.

The restrictions would affect those who “knowingly direct, authorise, fund, support or carry out violations of religious freedom”, the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, said in a post on X yesterday.

“The United States is taking decisive action in response to the atrocities and violence against Christians in Nigeria and around the world.

‘’The @StateDept will restrict U.S. visas for those who knowingly direct, authorise, fund, support, or carry out violations of religious freedom.

‘’This visa policy applies to Nigeria and other governments or individuals that persecute people for their religious beliefs.”

Referring to “atrocities and violence against Christians” in Nigeria and other parts of the world, the US Secretary of State said the policy concerns both individuals and governments.

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The Eagle reports that US president, Donald Trump has spoken out variously against what has been described as Christian genocide in Nigeria, leading to wide-held opinions that the country may invade Nigeria.

A number of congressmen have also come out to condemn widespread anti-Christian violence in Nigeria.

Recently too, House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee Chairman, Chris Smith, introduced a resolution recommending visa bans and asset freezes on individuals and entities responsible for religious freedom violations in Nigeria.

Smith, particularly mentioned the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, and the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore as erring entities as culpable of the offence.

Smith also recommended that the US place “Fulani-Ethnic Militias” operating in Benue and Plateau on the entities of particular concern, EPC, list under the International Religious Freedom Act.

These and more have found the basis for the latest visa ban order from the US.