US Congressman Riley Moore has claimed that for more than 20 years, Christians in Nigeria have been disproportionately targeted by violent attacks.
He has called for swift US intervention and improved bilateral arrangements to address the situation.
Speaking about what he called Nigeria’s growing insecurity, Moore claimed that while violence in the nation affects people of all faiths, Christians are disproportionately targeted.
“Violence and insecurity in Nigeria affect people of all faiths, but Christians bear the overwhelming brunt of the attacks and have suffered in silence for two decades,” he said.
According to him, “Christians are five times more likely to be killed than any other religious group,” alleging that Fulani militias and terrorist groups frequently attack Christian communities.
“Fulani militias and terrorist groups constantly attack Christians, targeting pastors and priests, burning schools and churches, often on holy days. They have killed tens of thousands,” Moore claimed.
Moore commended President Donald Trump for what he described as a willingness to defend Christians globally, saying the moment presents “a once-in-a-generation opportunity” to strengthen ties between the United States and Nigeria while confronting insecurity.
“President Trump’s decisive action and eagerness to defend Christians have created a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deepen and strengthen the relationship between our two nations and confront this crisis head on,” he said.
While acknowledging that the Nigerian government requires assistance to tackle security challenges, Moore said the administration of President Bola Tinubu must demonstrate stronger political will.
“The Tinubu government must demonstrate the political will to defend suffering Christians by allocating resources to immediately reduce and ultimately end this violence,” he stated.
Moore suggested that any bilateral pact between Abuja and Washington should be subject to quantifiable pledges from Nigeria.
He enumerated a number of requirements, such as deploying armed security forces to deter violence, putting early warning systems for assaults in place, and co-funding donor-supported humanitarian aid that prioritizes Christians in the Middle Belt.
He also urged Nigerian authorities to remove Fulani militants from confiscated farmlands and allow displaced communities to return willingly to their homes.
“But critically, all of this must be contingent upon the Nigerian government providing proof of progress that it is, in fact, working to stabilize the country and protect Christians,” Moore told reporters.
Sanctions, visa restrictions, and trade leverage
Moore encouraged Trump to consider imposing sanctions and banning visas for those who engage in or tolerate violence against Christians.
“America has a right to control who enters our country and when. We should certainly reject anyone who is attacking our brothers and sisters in Christ,” he said.
He further advocated aggressive efforts to disarm Fulani terrorists, alleging they are “more responsible than any other group, including ISWAP and Boko Haram, for the attacks on Christians in Nigeria.”
