On 8 July 2026, the European Parliament adopted a joint resolution strongly condemning the ongoing persecution of Christians in Nigeria, specifically the June 2026 Kawel village massacre, and urging Nigerian authorities to act. The resolution, tabled by the EPP, S&D, ECR, Renew, and Verts/ALE groups, demands a thorough investigation into the attack and calls on the Nigerian government to strengthen protections for religious communities.
The resolution condemns the June 2026 armed attack on civilians in Kawel village, Plateau State, which caused dozens of deaths, widespread injuries, and infrastructure damage among the local Christian community. It notes that repeated warnings from local communities, churches, and human rights organisations have been ignored, with Nigerian authorities failing to prevent attacks, protect vulnerable populations, or conduct thorough investigations. The violence is driven by religious, ethnic, and intercommunal tensions, farmer-herder conflicts, land and water disputes, organised crime, extremist activity, climate pressures, and persistent impunity.
Parliament urges a transparent and independent investigation into the Kawel massacre to end impunity. It calls on the Nigerian Government to strengthen counterterrorism operations against armed militants, Boko Haram, and Islamic State West Africa Province, and to remedy intelligence failures, improve early-warning systems, and address socio-economic drivers. The resolution also calls on the EU Special Envoy for freedom of religion or belief to pay particular attention to the situation of Christians in Nigeria, and urges addressing the needs of internally displaced persons, including temporary shelter and safe return to home communities.
The resolution is a declaration of Parliament's position, with no immediate legislative impact. It calls on the European External Action Service and EU member states to prioritise religious freedom in Nigeria and to support humanitarian efforts. The Nigerian government is expected to respond to the resolution, though no formal follow-up mechanism is specified.