The European Parliament adopted a resolution on 6 July 2026 strongly condemning the 22 June 2026 attack on Kawel village in Plateau State, Nigeria, which killed at least 20 civilians, including patients, a woman in labour, a pastor, and a clinic attendant. The resolution, tabled by the Renew Group led by MEP Stine Bosse, calls on Nigerian authorities to conduct a prompt, independent investigation into the massacre and to bring all perpetrators to justice, while urging the EU to prioritise civilian protection and freedom of religion in its partnership with Nigeria.
The attack on Kawel village, in the Mushere District, also targeted a police post and a government clinic, with local sources reporting 23 deaths. The Parliament demands that Nigerian federal and Plateau State authorities investigate any failures by security forces to respond to distress calls. The resolution urges strengthened protection for vulnerable communities, improved early-warning and rapid-response mechanisms, and security operations that comply with human rights. It also demands urgent humanitarian assistance, psychosocial support, medical care, and safe, voluntary return or relocation for displaced persons, especially women, children, survivors of sexual violence, and religious minorities.
The Parliament calls on Nigerian authorities to prevent hate speech, incitement to violence, forced displacement, forced conversion, and attacks on religious communities, and to promote intercommunal dialogue. It further calls on the EU, the European External Action Service, and Member States to raise civilian protection, accountability, and freedom of religion in dialogue with Nigeria, including through the upgraded EU-Nigeria partnership and human rights dialogue. The resolution has been forwarded to the Council, Commission, High Representative, Nigerian Government and National Assembly, Governor of Plateau State, ECOWAS, and the African Union.
The resolution impacts victims and displaced persons in Nigeria, particularly Christian communities, by demanding accountability and protection. It also affects EU foreign policy by urging the bloc to prioritise religious freedom and civilian security in its engagement with Nigeria. Nigerian authorities face pressure to investigate and improve security measures, while the EU and Member States are called upon to integrate these concerns into diplomatic and partnership frameworks.