On the ongoing persecution of Christians in Nigeria, notably the Kawel village massacre
B-10-2026-0354
on behalf of the PfE Group · Rapporteur: Silvia Sardone, Susanna Ceccardi, António Tânger Corrêa, Afroditi Latinopoulou, Jorge Martín Frías, Hermann Tertsch
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This resolution condemns the June 2026 attack on Kawel village in Nigeria, which killed 23 people, and declares the systematic targeting of Christian communities there to be Islamist persecution with genocidal characteristics.¶¶¶ It calls for independent investigations, prosecution of perpetrators, reinforced security, and for Nigeria to uphold freedom of religion. It also welcomes US–Nigeria operations against terrorist groups and urges the EU to raise the issue in dialogue.¶¶¶
Key points
- Strongly condemns the attack on Kawel village and the reported killing of 23 people, including patients, healthcare personnel, clergy and civilians.¶
- Declares that the systematic targeting of Christian communities in Plateau State and Nigeria’s Middle Belt constitutes Islamist persecution and displays genocidal characteristics.¶
- Calls for independent investigations into the Kawel attack and allegations that nearby security forces failed to respond, and demands prosecution of perpetrators, commanders, financiers and accomplices.¶
- Underlines Nigeria’s responsibility to protect Christian communities and calls for reinforced security, early-warning mechanisms and rapid-response capabilities.¶
- Welcomes and commends United States–Nigeria operations against Boko Haram, ISWAP and other ISIS-linked organisations and calls for intensified action against their leadership, financing, weapons networks and infrastructure.¶
- Urges Nigeria to uphold freedom of religion or belief and ensure that no federal or state law, policy or practice discriminates against Christians or other religious minorities.¶
- Calls on the EU and its Member States to recognise and raise the Islamist persecution of Christians and risk of genocide in dialogue with Nigeria, and calls on the EU special envoy for freedom of expression to take a special commitment against the persecution.¶
Who is affected
- Christian communities in Nigeria, particularly in Plateau State and the Middle Belt, who face persecution and attacks.¶¶
- Nigeria’s government and security forces, called on to protect Christians and investigate attacks.¶¶
- The EU and its Member States, urged to raise the issue in dialogue with Nigeria.¶
- The United States and Nigeria, commended for operations against terrorist groups and called on to intensify action.¶
Figures and deadlines
- 23 people killed in the attack on Kawel village on 21 to 22 June 2026.¶