A United States lawmaker has strongly condemned the recent deadly attacks in Plateau State, calling on the Nigerian government to act urgently to protect Christian communities.
Representative Chris Smith labeled the killings as part of a “deeply disturbing pattern,” emphasizing that the violence occurred during the Christian observance of Palm Sunday, a key period leading to Easter.
On March 29, gunmen attacked a community bar in Jos, leaving approximately 28 people dead. In a separate incident, over 50 people were reportedly killed when assailants stormed Kimakpa village in Bassa Local Government Area.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Smith urged Nigerian authorities to ensure accountability and bolster security measures.
He stressed the government’s responsibility to safeguard all citizens, regardless of religion, warning that repeated attacks during significant religious periods threaten peaceful coexistence and exacerbate human suffering.
“The fact that such atrocities are repeated year after year on the same holy day, underscores the urgent need for decisive action.
“As Christians in Nigeria observe Holy Week and approach Easter Sunday, a time of profound spiritual reflection and celebration, I urge the Government of Nigeria to take immediate and concrete steps to ensure the safety and security of all Christian communities in the country. This includes deploying adequate security forces and holding perpetrators to account.
“The Nigerian government has a fundamental responsibility, and constitutional duty, to protect all its citizens, regardless of their faith.
“The continued failure to prevent and intercept these targeted attacks not only deepens human suffering, but also threatens the fabric of religious coexistence in the region.
“The need for the government to step up and protect the lives and religious liberty of Nigerians cannot be overstated.
“These savage killings, targeting Christians as they gathered during one of the most sacred times of the year, are incredibly heartbreaking and absolutely unacceptable.”
In response to the attacks, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja, describing the violence as terrorism while noting that the identities of the perpetrators remain unknown.
