US Lawmaker Urges Trump to Act on Nigeria Christian Attacks

From Washington, our correspondent reports on a strong call from U.S. Representative Riley Moore for the Trump administration to intervene forcefully in Nigeria to protect Christians. Moore’s statement, released Thursday, directly addresses the recent violence in Nigeria's Plateau State, specifically mentioning an attack on mourners during a mass burial in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.

“

When I visited Nigeria, the government responded swiftly to quell a coup in Benin. Nigeria’s willingness to step in to stop a violent attack in another country, while they stand by as their own Christian citizens are brutalised, makes these absolutely horrific scenes unfolding in Plateau State all the more unconscionable.

Moore drew a stark comparison between Nigeria's swift military support for Benin during a coup attempt and its perceived failure to protect its own citizens, particularly Christians, from what he termed "radical Islamic terrorists." He lamented that despite early warnings, the Nigerian government has not acted, leading to the "martyrdom of its own citizens."

“

The Nigerian Government could root out the terrorism and stop the martyrdom of its own citizens. But, despite receiving early warnings of impending attacks, they are nowhere to be found as Christians are murdered for their faith, like lambs led to slaughter. Enough is enough.

This perspective from a U.S. lawmaker highlights a growing concern in certain American political circles about the safety of Christians in Nigeria. The framing as a "Christian genocide" reflects a specific advocacy viewpoint that seeks to mobilize U.S. policy in response. While international coverage might focus on the broader conflict dynamics, this U.S. political commentary emphasizes a religious persecution angle, urging direct American action.

“

Now, I am asking the Trump Administration to take forceful action to defend our innocent brothers and sisters in Christ in the Middle Belt of Nigeria, the epicentre of an ongoing Christian genocide.

Sean Nelson, Senior Counsel for Global Religious Freedom with Alliance Defending Freedom International, echoed Moore's sentiments, emphasizing the need for "max U.S. pressure." This indicates a coordinated effort to influence U.S. foreign policy on religious freedom issues, framing the situation in Nigeria through a lens of persecution and demanding a robust response from the American government.

“

Very forceful statement from @RepRileyMoore on continuing grave persecution of Christians in Nigeria & Nigerian officials’ unwillingness to respond effectively to early warnings.