A member of the United States Congress, Representative Riley Moore, has alleged that Christians in Nigeria have borne the brunt of violent attacks for more than two decades, calling for decisive American intervention and stricter conditions in bilateral engagements with Abuja.
Speaking amid concerns over escalating insecurity, Moore said violence in Nigeria affects adherents of all faiths but insisted that Christians are disproportionately targeted.
“Violence and insecurity in Nigeria affects people of all faiths, but Christians bear the overwhelming brunt of the attacks and have suffered in silence for two decades,” he said.
Moore claimed that Christians are “five times more likely to be killed than any other religious group,” alleging that Fulani militias and terrorist organisations frequently attack Christian communities, including clergy and places of worship.
He further alleged that thousands of Christians have been killed, with schools and churches burned, often during religious observances.
The US lawmaker commended Donald Trump for what he described as a readiness to defend Christians globally. According to him, the current political climate presents “a once-in-a-generation opportunity” to strengthen relations between Washington and Abuja while confronting insecurity.
“President Trump’s decisive action and eagerness to defend Christians has created a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deepen and strengthen the relationship between our two nations and confront this crisis head on,” Moore stated.
While acknowledging that Nigeria requires international support to address its security challenges, Moore said the administration of Bola Tinubu must demonstrate stronger political will in tackling the violence.
“The Tinubu government must demonstrate the political will to defend suffering Christians by allocating resources to immediately reduce and ultimately end this violence,” he said.
Moore proposed that any bilateral agreements between the United States and Nigeria should be tied to measurable commitments. These include co-funding humanitarian assistance prioritising affected Christian communities in the Middle Belt, deploying early-warning systems to detect attacks, and strengthening armed security presence in vulnerable areas.
He also called on Nigerian authorities to remove armed groups from confiscated farmlands and facilitate the voluntary return of displaced persons to their communities.
“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 emphasised.
Sanctions and Visa Restrictions
Moore urged President Trump to consider imposing sanctions and visa restrictions on individuals allegedly involved in or complicit with 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 intensified efforts to disarm Fulani militias, alleging that they bear significant responsibility for attacks on Christian communities.
Nigeria has grappled with complex security challenges for years, including insurgency, banditry, communal clashes, and farmer-herder conflicts. The Federal Government has repeatedly stated that ongoing military and security operations are aimed at restoring peace across affected regions, regardless of religious or ethnic affiliation.
