The Trump administration is rolling out a new visa-restriction policy in response to a wave of brutal anti-Christian attacks in Nigeria, targeting those accused of orchestrating religious violence against Christians in the West African nation and around the world.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Wednesday that a new policy in the Immigration and Nationality Act will allow the State Department to deny visas to those “who have directed, authorized, significantly supported, participated in, or carried out violations of religious freedom.” Immediate family members may also face visa restrictions in some cases.

“The United States is taking decisive action in response to the mass killings and violence against Christians by radical Islamic terrorists, Fulani ethnic militias, and other violent actors in Nigeria and beyond,” Rubio said in the statement.

The move follows a surge of attacks on Christians and Christian institutions in Nigeria. Last month, gunmen stormed the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, killing two people and kidnapping dozens. The 38 abducted worshipers were freed nearly a week later.

Days later, armed attackers raided St. Mary’s School in Niger State, abducting more than 300 students and staff. School officials said 50 students aged 10 to 18 escaped in the following days, but 253 students and 12 teachers remain captive.

The violence prompted President Donald Trump to designate Nigeria a “country of particular concern,” though the Nigerian government disputes the U.S. assessment.

“I’m really angry about it,” the president told Fox News Radio last month. “What’s happening in Nigeria is a disgrace.”

Rubio said the new visa restrictions will apply to Nigeria and to any other governments or individuals involved in violating religious freedom.

Echoing Trump’s warning, Rubio said: “As President Trump made clear, the ‘United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other countries.’”

1. The Kogi State Government regrets to announce a tragic accident involving a bus conveying some of our citizens who were returning from the commemoration of the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities held earlier today at the Government House, Lokoja.
2. The unfortunate accident, which occurred along the Lokoja–Okene road, claimed six precious lives.
3. Thirteen others sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical attention at different health facilities across the state.
4. This tragedy has brought profound sorrow to the Government and people of Kogi State. We mourn deeply with the families of the deceased and extend our heartfelt condolences to them during this painful and devastating moment.
5. The loss of any Kogite is a loss to us all, and we stand in solidarity with the affected families and communities. This is indeed a dark day in our history.
6. His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, has directed that the State Government take full responsibility for the medical care of all injured persons until they fully recover.
7. Government officials have been deployed to the various hospitals to ensure that the victims receive the best possible treatment and to provide support to their families.
8. Our hearts are with the families who lost their loved ones, as we consider this a state tragedy of devastating magnitude.
9. As we collectively grieve, we ask for prayers for the repose of the souls of the departed and for the quick recovery of the injured.
10. May God grant the bereaved families the strength to bear this irreparable loss.

Former Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, has paid tributes to the late renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, describing him as an upright, God-fearing, compassionate, and peace-loving statesman whose life was wholly dedicated to the service of Allah and humanity.

During the prayers session organised in honour of the departed cleric, Bello recalled with deep emotion his long-standing relationship and personal bond with Sheikh Dahiru.

He noted that throughout his tenure as governor, he had the privilege of hosting the revered scholar in Kogi State on more than two occasions.

According to him, Sheikh Dahiru consistently prayed for the peace, unity, and progress of Kogi State and Nigeria as a whole; he offered spiritual counsel and guidance that transcended ethnic, religious, and political boundaries until he died.

Bello emphasised that the late Sheikh’s teachings were firmly rooted in the promotion of peaceful coexistence, compassion for the less privileged, moral uprightness, and strict adherence to Islamic principles anchored on love and tolerance.

He described the loss as not only a monumental one to the Muslim Ummah, but also to the entire nation, which benefitted from Sheikh Dahiru’s enduring advocacy for harmony, stability, and mutual respect.

The former governor, who attended the solemn gathering alongside Senator Abubakar Ohere, Abubakar Rajab, his former Deputy Chief of Staff, Isah Omade, Sheikh Abdulkudus, and other distinguished guests, was warmly received by the Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, His Excellency, Mohammed Auwal Jatau, on behalf of the Bauchi State Government.

At the event, the Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness, Dr. Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, urged the Muslim faithful to emulate the timeless virtues exemplified by the late Sheikh Dahiru.

He described the departed cleric as a man of immense compassion whose life and teachings embodied the true essence of Islam which is peace, love, humility, and service to humanity.

The Emir stressed that Sheikh Dahiru’s commitment to preaching Islam through wisdom and tolerance remained a lasting legacy worthy of continuous reflection and imitation.

Following the prayer session, former Governor Bello received a number of prominent northern leaders and stakeholders at his lodge.

They include Alhaji Dahiru Mangal, Senator Adamu Aliero, and other eminent personalities who were also in Bauchi to offer their condolences to the family, followers, and associates of the late Sheikh, as well as to the government and people of Bauchi State.

Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi passed on, at the age of 98, on the 27th of November , 2025.