The U.S. Congress opened a high-profile hearing on Thursday into alleged Christian persecution in Nigeria, following the country’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” by President Donald Trump last month. The inquiry is being conducted by the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee.

Trump had warned that military action could be considered if Nigeria failed to protect its citizens, a statement that has sparked debate both domestically and internationally.

The hearing drew dozens of in-person witnesses, while thousands more followed live testimonies from various stakeholders across Nigeria and the region.

By the close of the first day, WADR Usman Umar reports that the U.S. Congress appeared as divided as Nigeria itself on the allegations, reflecting differing views on the scale, causes, and appropriate response to the situation.