Nigerian Christian leaders in America are demanding the U.S. government label the group Boko Haram a terrorist organization.

The militant Islamic group has attacked churches and killed hundreds of Christians in northern Nigeria.

Most recently, the group massacred about 45 Christian college students at a polytechnic school.

Rev. James Fadele, with the Christian Association of Nigerian Americans, spoke to a group of reporters this week about the situation.

He said the "extermination" of Christians is "fast assuming the proportion of genocide."

Fadele said labeling Boko Haram a terrorist organization would reduce the weapons and funding flowing in from other countries.

The United States has designated several Boko leaders as terrorists, but not the group itself.