Canadian lawmaker Andrew Scheer has accused the international community of ignoring what he called the systematic persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
Scheer, who represents Regina–Qu’Appelle in Canada’s House of Commons, said Boko Haram and allied militias are conducting a genocidal campaign that has resulted in thousands of deaths and millions displaced.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament and in a video shared on his X account on Friday, he claimed that 7,000 Christians have been killed this year, 3.5 million displaced, and three churches destroyed daily.
Scheer, a former leader of Canada’s Conservative Party, recalled Boko Haram’s abduction of schoolgirls and the burning alive of civilians, adding that worshippers in Nigeria now gather in secret or in damaged buildings.
He called on governments, humanitarian groups, and faith communities to offer relief and solidarity to those affected.
“The world has largely ignored the persecution of Christians in Nigeria: 7,000 killed, 3.5 million displaced, and three churches destroyed every day. It’s time to break the silence, raise awareness, and support those enduring unimaginable suffering.”
Scheer said in the video, “The Honourable Member for Regina–Capel. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the tragedy Christians in Nigeria are facing. Boko Haram is attempting to eliminate the Christian faith in Nigeria.”
American comedian Bill Maher also criticized Western media for not covering the crisis adequately. On his HBO show Real Time on September 26, Maher described the violence as genocide, citing claims of over 100,000 Christians killed since 2009 and 18,000 churches destroyed. U.S. Congresswoman Nancy Mace praised him for raising awareness.
The Nigerian government, however, has dismissed allegations of a targeted campaign against Christians.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in a statement on Sunday, called such claims false and divisive, emphasizing that terrorist groups attack people of all faiths, including Muslims, Christians, and non-religious communities
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