Congressman Riley Moore has strongly condemned the recent deadly attacks on Christians in Plateau State, Nigeria, calling on the Nigerian government to immediately strengthen security measures to protect vulnerable communities ahead of major religious observances.
In a statement issued on Monday, Congressman Moore reacted to reports of a Palm Sunday assault in Anguwan Rukuba, Jos, where gunmen killed several residents in what he described as part of a recurring pattern of violence targeting Christians, often intensifying during holy periods.
“This is sickening and unacceptable, but it’s not surprising,” Moore stated. He highlighted that such attacks have become frequent during Christian holy days and urged Nigerian authorities to act decisively.
Moore, who previously participated in a U.S. fact-finding delegation investigating alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to “massively ramp up security for the Triduum and Easter celebrations.”
“Abuja knows this pattern and they must mobilize to defend our brothers and sisters in Christ,” he added. “If they don’t take this threat seriously, the blood of these martyrs will be on their hands, and there will be significant consequences for Nigeria’s relationship with the United States.”
The lawmaker emphasized the need for enhanced protection for worshippers and warned that continued failure to address the violence could strain bilateral ties between the two nations. He referenced broader concerns about religious freedom and security in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region, where communities have faced repeated attacks resulting in loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement.
Congressman Moore has been vocal on issues of religious persecution, including through his involvement in related U.S. congressional efforts such as the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act.
This latest call comes amid ongoing reports of insecurity in Plateau State, with local authorities also responding to the incident, including measures like enforcing restrictions on commercial motorcycles linked to the attacks.
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with appeals for urgent action to prevent further bloodshed and safeguard all Nigerian citizens regardless of faith.