US Congressman insists Nigeria must stay on 'Country of Particular Concern' list amid violence

U.S. Congressman Riley Moore has strongly asserted that Nigeria must remain designated as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) due to persistent violence targeting Christians, particularly in the Middle Belt region. His stance directly challenges any consideration of removing the designation.

Moore voiced his position on his official X account, responding to remarks made by the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs. He emphasized that the Nigerian government must uphold its commitment to safeguarding Christian communities, especially in light of recent attacks. "The Nigerian government must meet its commitments to protect innocent Christian communities," Moore declared.

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We absolutely CANNOT remove the CPC designation from Nigeria while radical Islamic terrorists continue this horrific violence against Christians.

His comments followed a condemnation by the U.S. Bureau of African Affairs regarding a recent attack in Plateau State, where dozens were reportedly killed and many went missing. The Bureau extended condolences to the victims' families and urged the Nigerian government to hold perpetrators accountable. The Bureau noted the attack's particular troubling nature, occurring shortly after a recent CPC Working Group meeting.

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@AsstSecStateAF is right. The Nigerian government must meet its commitments to protect innocent Christian communities.

Community leaders in the affected Plateau areas described the assault as "barbaric and senseless," appealing for increased security personnel to protect vulnerable rural communities that have allegedly been repeatedly targeted. Residents reported that attackers stormed villages at night, opening fire on sleeping inhabitants, leading to widespread displacement and mourning.

The Nigerian government has consistently denied that the conflicts are religiously motivated, characterizing them instead as disputes over land, resources, and general criminality. However, the designation of Nigeria as a CPC in 2020 under the International Religious Freedom Act signifies the U.S. view that the country has engaged in or tolerated severe violations of religious freedom. While Nigeria was briefly removed from the list in 2021, it was returned last year under the Trump administration, indicating ongoing U.S. scrutiny.

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The United States is horrified by yet another murderous attack in the Middle Belt of Nigeria, killing dozens of people asleep in their homes in Plateau State. This is especially troubling coming on the heels of the recent CPC Working Group meeting. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those missing and killed, and we strongly urge the Nigerian government to meet their commitments to protect Christian communities and to hold perpetrators of violence accountable.