‘Nigeria is one of the most dangerous countries for Christians, confront Tinubu to stop the killings now’ — Over 209 UK lawmakers tell PM Starmer 

Lawmakers in the United Kingdom have called on Prime Minister to raise concerns about the killing of Christians in Nigeria during his upcoming meeting with Nigerian President .

 

The appeal comes ahead of Tinubu’s official visit to the United Kingdom, where he is expected to participate in a state banquet hosted by and at on Wednesday. The Nigerian leader is also scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Starmer at on Thursday.

 

The visit is historically significant, marking the first state trip by a Nigerian president to the United Kingdom in 37 years.

British MPs Raise Alarm Over Violence

The call for action was made by members of the (APPG FoRB), a cross-party coalition of British lawmakers advocating for religious freedom around the world.

In a letter addressed to , the group urged the British government to use the meeting with Tinubu as an opportunity to press Nigeria on the protection of religious freedom and human rights.

According to the lawmakers, Nigeria has increasingly gained international attention as one of the countries where Christians face serious security threats. They pointed to ongoing attacks linked to militant groups such as and , which have been responsible for numerous violent incidents across northern parts of the country.

Kidnappings and Attacks Highlight Security Concerns

The British lawmakers referenced several incidents that illustrate the growing insecurity facing Christian communities. Earlier this year, armed gangs reportedly abducted 163 Christian worshippers in , an attack that drew condemnation from international observers and human rights advocates.

Kidnappings for ransom and attacks on villages have become increasingly common in parts of northern Nigeria, with both criminal gangs and extremist groups often targeting religious communities.

The chairman of the parliamentary group, , said Nigeria must take stronger measures to address the situation.

“Nigeria must take concrete steps to prevent the harassment, persecution and killing of Christians, while ensuring that perpetrators are investigated and prosecuted,” Shannon stated.

Over 200 Lawmakers Sign Letter

The letter was reportedly signed by 209 members of the British Parliament and House of Lords, reflecting widespread concern among UK lawmakers over religious freedom and security conditions in Nigeria.

In their message, the signatories expressed worry that Nigerian authorities have not responded forcefully enough to attacks on Christian communities. They also urged the British government to prioritize human rights issues in its diplomatic engagement with Nigeria.

Among the cases highlighted by the lawmakers was that of , one of the 110 schoolgirls abducted by militants in 2018.

Sharibu has remained in captivity for years after reportedly refusing to renounce her Christian faith. Her continued detention has become a symbol of the broader challenges faced by victims of religious persecution in the region.

The lawmakers urged the UK government to raise her case during discussions with the Nigerian president.

Human Rights to Feature in Diplomatic Talks

Beyond the immediate concerns over violence, the group also called for human rights to become a central component of future diplomatic, security and trade discussions between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

They requested that Chapman respond to their concerns before Tinubu’s arrival in the UK, emphasizing the need for clear commitments from Nigerian authorities regarding the protection of vulnerable communities.

The UK has long maintained strong diplomatic and economic ties with Nigeria, which is Africa’s most populous nation and one of its largest economies. British lawmakers say that relationship should also include firm engagement on issues of security, governance and human rights.

Tinubu’s Visit Includes Religious Engagements

While security concerns are expected to dominate some discussions during the visit, the trip will also include several faith-based engagements.

During the visit, is expected to host Nigeria’s First Lady, , at .

The gathering will feature a prayer service at which the Nigerian First Lady has been invited to preach.

Oluremi Tinubu is also scheduled to meet representatives of the as well as officials from faith-based humanitarian organisations such as .

These groups have long supported humanitarian programmes across Nigeria, particularly in regions affected by insurgency, displacement and poverty.

Growing International Scrutiny

The intervention by UK lawmakers highlights growing international scrutiny of Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly the impact of violence on religious communities.

 

While Nigerian authorities have repeatedly said that insecurity in the country is driven by complex factors including terrorism, banditry and criminal activity rather than religious persecution alone, critics argue that more decisive action is needed to protect vulnerable populations.

 

As Tinubu prepares for his meetings in London, the issue of religious freedom and the safety of Christian communities is expected to feature prominently in discussions between the two countries.

Observers say the outcome of the talks could shape future cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom on security, governance and human rights issues.