A religious freedom advocate has warned of the risk of another “Christmas massacre” in Nigeria amid escalating attacks on Christians. The warning was issued at an Emergency Summit on Crimes Against Christians held in Washington, where experts and U.S. lawmakers discussed global persecution trends and responses.
Speaking at the event, Judd Saul said intelligence suggested coordinated attacks planned for Christmas across communities in Plateau, Benue and Kaduna states. “They [are] planning another Christmas massacre,” he said, referencing the 2023 Plateau killings that left more than 160 Christians dead.
Nigerian researcher Franc Utu, who lost family members in the June 2025 Yelwata attack, described the violence as targeted and systematic. He said 278 people were killed in one night and alleged official inaction despite prior warnings. U.S. officials at the summit urged stronger intervention to prevent further attacks.