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Member of the United States Congress, Representative Riley Moore, has alleged that Christians in Nigeria have borne the overwhelming brunt of violent attacks for over two decades, calling for decisive American action and stronger bilateral conditions to address the crisis.
Moore, speaking on what he described as escalating insecurity in Nigeria, said violence in the country affects people of all faiths but insisted that Christians are disproportionately targeted.
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“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.
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 has 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 proposed that any bilateral agreement between Washington and Abuja should be contingent upon measurable commitments by Nigeria.
He listed several conditions, including co-funding donor-supported humanitarian assistance prioritising Christians in the Middle Belt, implementing early-warning systems for attacks, and deploying armed security forces to prevent violence.
He further called on Nigerian authorities to remove Fulani militias from confiscated farmlands and enable displaced communities to return voluntarily 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 emphasised.
Sanctions, visa restrictions, trade leverage
Moore urged President Trump to consider imposing sanctions and restricting visas for individuals involved in or tolerating 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 militias, alleging they are “more responsible than any other group, including ISWAP and Boko Haram, for the attacks on Christians in Nigeria.”
