U.S. Congressman Riley Moore today called recent American airstrikes in northwest Nigeria the first important move to end the ongoing killings of Christians and improve safety for all people in the country. The airstrikes, ordered by President Donald Trump, targeted terrorists linked to ISIS.
They were done with help from the Nigerian government. Moore shared his thoughts on social media, saying this action is "just the first step to ending the slaughter of Christians and the security crisis affecting all Nigerians. He added that President Trump has made it clear the killings must stop, and warned against challenging the President's determination.
"These strikes show America's strong stand against terrorism," said Congressman Moore. "For too long, innocent people, especially Christians, have suffered from brutal attacks. This is a start, but we need more action to bring peace."
Moore recently led a group of five U.S. lawmakers on a trip to Nigeria. They visited people forced from their homes by violence, survivors of attacks, church leaders, and local rulers in Benue State. Benue is one of the hardest-hit areas, where attackers are trying to push Christians off their land.
The group also met with Nigeria's National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi to talk about ways to fight terrorism.
During an interview on Fox News, Moore shared heartbreaking stories from survivors. One woman lost five children, and another lost her husband, two daughters, and her unborn baby in the violence. "These are real people facing horror every day," Moore said. "We can't ignore it anymore."
President Trump has asked Moore and House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole to prepare a report with ideas to help by the end of the month. This comes after the U.S. labeled Nigeria a "Country of Particular Concern" because of the attacks on Christians.
Congressman Moore promised to keep pushing for stronger U.S. support to protect lives in Nigeria. "Safety and freedom for all is our goal," he said.