US Senator Ted Cruz alleges Nigerian officials complicit in Christian killings
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
US Senator Ted Cruz stated on Tuesday during a Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee hearing that Nigerian officials are complicit in facilitating the mass killing of Christians in Nigeria. He claimed that since 2009, over 50,000 Christians have been killed and more than 20,000 churches, schools, and religious institutions destroyed, making Nigeria the country with the highest number of Christians killed for their faith globally. Cruz attributed some of the violence to the implementation of Sharia law in northern states and criticized Nigerian authorities for a slow response to security challenges. He referenced a previous meeting with Nigerian defense and security officials, noting that their assurances to end the violence had not materialized. In October, Senator Cruz introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, aimed at holding Nigerian government officials accountable for alleged complicity in attacks on Christians. During the hearing, Cruz questioned Nick Checker, a senior official at the US State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs, about the effectiveness of engagements between the two countries. Checker responded that Nigeria has shown cooperation with US requests, citing leadership changes in Nigerian security services, recruitment of additional troops, deployment of forest guards, increased prosecution of terrorism suspects, and the establishment of a bilateral high-level working group. He added that recent US support for Nigerian security
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David Sullivan announced his immediate resignation as joint-chair of West Ham on Saturday, June 6, 2026. The 77-year-old stated he is stepping down from his 16-year role to address what he described as "factually incorrect and entirely false, decades-old allegations concerning my personal life." Sullivan, who built a business empire in the adult industry, categorically denied these claims, stating they have been sensationalized by the media. He emphasized that this was a painful decision made out of love, respect, and responsibility towards the football club and its fanbase, which he believes deserves unity and focus. Sullivan and business partner David Gold took over West Ham after selling Birmingham, bringing Karren Brady as vice-chairman. Their tenure included the unpopular move from Upton Park to the former Olympic Stadium in 2016, which led to numerous anti-board protests from supporters, even before the club's relegation from the Premier League this season. West Ham stated they would provide an update on the future board structure in due course and would not comment further at this time. Czech businessman Daniel Kretinsky, who bought a 27 percent stake in the London club in 2021, is reportedly expected to increase his holding.