The US has renewed calls to the Federal Government of Nigeria to increase protection of Christian communities, following a kidnapping during a church service in Kaduna State on January 18, which saw 177 worshippers abducted, as Premier Christian News previously reported.

Some of the kidnapped worshippers have since returned home but many are still in captivity.

In their initial response to the news, both the Nigerian Government and the Nigerian Police Force denied the abduction, before police then confirmed the kidnapping days later.

Responding to this latest attack in Nigeria, the US government on Thursday called for stronger efforts to be made to ensure the safety of Christian groups.

Allison Hooker, Under Secretary for Political Affairs, addressed a group during a Nigeria Working Group meeting in Abuja this week and called on Nigerian authorities to improve religious protection. Hooker acknowledged the “real progress” that had been made on this front as a response to previous efforts by the US government, but stated that the Nigerian Government “must do more”, to prevent further attacks.

Hooker further hinted that the result of doing so would result in political benefits and gain for both countries, with regard to trade, health and the economy. She stated that the result of improving protection would ensure “reciprocal benefits”.

National Security Advisor Mallam Nuhu Ribadu responded with assurances of Nigeria’s dedication to the protection of all it’s people, adding that religiously motivated attacks would be treated personally as an attack on the state. He listed measures that would involve improving security, the coordination of intelligence agents and stronger responses and consequences for perpetrators.

“The Government of Nigeria must do more to protect Christians and their right to practice their faith freely and safely”, concluded the US government official.