A new report by UK parliamentarians warns of an “unfolding genocide” in Nigeria against Christians, highlighting the religious element behind the violence. It calls for UK aid to be linked to efforts to protect Nigerian villagers from attacks by Islamist extremists.

The new report by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Freedom of Religion and Belief, Nigeria: Unfolding Genocide?, is the result of an investigation by 100 UK parliamentarians.

It describes attacks on churches and Christians which killed more than 1,000 in 2019. A partner of Release International, which supports victims of violence, estimates 30,000 have been killed since the conflict began in the 1980s. The United Nations put the death toll at 27,000.

Forbes contributor, Ewelina U. Ochab, said there are several steps that need to be taken to address the atrocities and the APPG’s report maps these, including comprehensive investigations and prosecutions. However, she said, “the comprehensive response will not happen until we recognize, once and for all, the nature and severity of the atrocities”.

“If the Nigerian Government is blind to the issue of religious persecution in the country, it is clear that the issue will not be addressed. However, the international community cannot be blind to the reports of atrocities and must ask important questions.”