Abuja under fire as Ted Cruz accuses government of PR response to Christian killings

United States Senator Ted Cruz has renewed his criticism of the Nigerian government, accusing officials of responding to international concerns over alleged persecution of Christians with a public relations campaign rather than concrete action.

In a post on X on Wednesday, July 22, the Texas Republican said Nigerian authorities had created conditions that allow “mass violence” against Christians and religious minorities through the enforcement of blasphemy and sharia laws, as well as by failing to confront jihadist attacks.

Cruz said the United States was already aware of the Nigerian officials he believes are responsible for the policies, adding that he had been pushing legislation to sanction them. He also cited recent activity in the U.S. House of Representatives as evidence that lawmakers were taking the issue seriously.

The senator further alleged that instead of addressing the substance of Washington’s concerns, Nigerian officials chose to mount a messaging campaign aimed at discrediting critics.

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The controversy comes amid growing legislative pressure in the United States over Nigeria’s religious freedom record, alongside continued debate over attacks blamed on extremist groups and communal violence in parts of the country.