A United States congressman, Riley Moore, has urged Nigerian authorities to strengthen security measures following a reported deadly attack in Jos, Plateau State, warning that continued violence could affect relations between Nigeria and the United States.
Moore reacted on the social media platform X after reports emerged that at least 10 people were killed in Anguwan Rukuba during a Palm Sunday incident.
He described the attack as part of a recurring pattern of violence targeting Christian worshippers during religious observances.
In his statement, he said, “This Palm Sunday, reports from Nigeria indicate that at least 10 Christians were martyred in the city of Jos. Radical Islamic terrorists opened fire on the Christians before hacking them to pieces with machetes. This is sickening and unacceptable, but it’s not surprising.”
The lawmaker, who said he was part of a U.S. fact-finding delegation on alleged religious violence in Nigeria, claimed that such incidents often occur during Christian holy days and called for urgent preventive action.
He stated, “This tragedy follows a pattern of radical Islamic terrorists massacring Christians on Holy Days. In fact, terrorists have attacked Christians in Nigeria on every single holy day in recent memory.”
Moore also urged Nigerian authorities to increase security presence during religious celebrations, particularly Easter-related events.
“Abuja knows this pattern and they must massively ramp up security for the Triduum and Easter,” he said.
“If they don’t take this threat seriously and mobilize to defend our brothers and sisters in Christ, blood of these martyrs will be on their hands, and there will be significant consequences for Nigeria’s relationship with the United States.”
He further reiterated his concerns, stating that the reported killings highlight an ongoing security challenge in parts of the country and called for decisive government intervention to prevent further attacks.
The incident in Plateau State has continued to draw both domestic and international reactions amid renewed calls for improved security in vulnerable communities.
