US Lawmaker Fumes over Plateau Killings, Accuses Nigerian Government of Failure to Protect Citizens

A U.S. lawmaker has sharply criticized the Nigerian government, accusing it of failing to protect its citizens and hold perpetrators accountable following recent deadly attacks in Plateau State. U.S. Representative Chris Smith condemned the government's inaction after several residents were killed and properties destroyed in the Jwak Maitumbi community on August 16.

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Despite denials by Nigerian government actors, Christians continue to be slaughtered while Nigerian officials fail to provide adequate protection or hold the perpetrators accountable.

Less than 48 hours later, suspected Fulani militia reportedly attacked the Bin-Per community, killing at least 23 people, including women and children, in what appeared to be a reprisal. Troops later foiled another attempted attack on the Manja community. Smith highlighted these incidents as evidence of the Nigerian government's failure to provide adequate protection.

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Enough is enough. The Nigerian government must fulfill its most basic responsibility of protecting its citizens.

"Despite denials by Nigerian government actors, Christians continue to be slaughtered while Nigerian officials fail to provide adequate protection or hold the perpetrators accountable," Smith stated. He urged the Nigerian government to fulfill its fundamental responsibility of safeguarding its people. The Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, echoed these concerns, calling on Nigeria to meet its commitments to protect Christian communities and ensure accountability for violence.

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The U.S. State Department’s recent public message underscores the urgent need for concrete action, not more assurances, as deadly violence continues to devastate vulnerable communities.

Smith also criticized Nigeria's spending, suggesting that funds allocated to improving its image in Washington could be better used to protect its citizens. "Instead of spending millions of dollars, $9 million, to be exact, in an attempt to improve its image in Washington, the Nigerian government should redirect those resources towards protecting its people and addressing this grave security crisis," he said. The U.S. House of Representatives has previously introduced legislation aimed at addressing religious persecution and mass atrocities in Nigeria.

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Instead of spending millions of dollars, $9 million, to be exact, in an attempt to improve its image in Washington, the Nigerian government should redirect those resources towards protecting its people and addressing this grave security crisis.