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United States lawmaker representing Florida’s 6th congressional district, Randy Fine, has joined a growing list of members of Congress supporting a resolution calling for stronger U.S. action in response to worsening religious-related violence in Nigeria.
In a statement shared on X handle on Wednesday, the congressman expressed alarm over continued attacks by extremist groups in parts of Nigeria, particularly in communities with significant Christian populations.
He criticised what he described as insufficient action by Nigerian authorities.
“The ongoing slaughter of innocent Christians by Muslim terrorists in Nigeria is appalling,” he said. “The Nigerian government’s silence is deafening.”
The congressman announced he has signed onto a resolution sponsored by Rep. Chris Smith that seeks to codify a U.S. executive order designating Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over religious freedom violations.
The proposed measure urges the U.S. government to intensify diplomatic pressure and expand monitoring of attacks attributed to extremist organisations.
The lawmaker further alleged that failure by Nigerian authorities to adequately protect vulnerable communities has contributed to deteriorating security conditions.
“Their complicity in the genocide of thousands of Christians must stop, and we must take action to fully condemn this now,” he said.
Nigeria has faced years of violence linked to armed groups, including Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and various militia factions.
Analysts note that the conflict is driven by a mix of terrorism, banditry, resource disputes, and intercommunal tensions, with both Christian and Muslim civilians among the victims.
The Nigerian government has repeatedly rejected claims of religious persecution and says it is working to combat terrorism and strengthen security across affected states.
The congressman, who described himself as a “husband and father proudly serving Florida’s 6th congressional district,” said he hopes the resolution will spur bipartisan action on Capitol Hill and renewed global attention on the crisis.
The measure is expected to receive further debate as lawmakers continue to assess U.S. foreign policy priorities regarding human rights and security in West Africa.
