Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment, if any, they have made of the findings of Professor Obiora Ike, Executive Director of Globethics.net, that over 30,000 Nigerians from Christian backgrounds have been killed over the last decade, and others kidnapped, brutalised or driven from their homes.

We are aware of the report in question and a number of other recent reports concerning the drivers of violence in Nigeria. The UK Government continues to follow increasing insecurity across Nigeria with concern, which has a devastating impact on affected communities, including both Christian and Muslim communities. The principal causes of violence across Nigeria are complex, and include criminality and competition over resources. We continue to urge and support the Nigerian Government to take action to implement long-term solutions that address the root causes of violence and ensure the right to Freedom of Religion or Belief for all.

The Minister for Africa visited Nigeria in February 2022 and raised rising insecurity and its impact on the Nigerian people in meetings with the Vice President, Foreign Minister and several State Governors. The Minister was pleased to be able to meet with a range of interlocutors, including faith and NGO leaders, and held detailed discussions about the causes of violence. At the first dialogue of our Security and Defence Partnership in February, the UK and Nigerian Governments committed to work together to respond to rising insecurity and promote human rights. We continue to encourage the Nigerian Government to take urgent action to implement long-term solutions that address the root causes of violence.