Member of the United States Congress, Representative Riley Moore, has highlighted what he described as the disproportionate suffering of Christians in Nigeria, urging decisive American intervention and stronger conditions in bilateral relations to address the ongoing violence.
Speaking on the escalating insecurity in Nigeria, Moore acknowledged that all Nigerians face violence, but insisted Christians are particularly targeted.
“Violence and insecurity in Nigeria affects people of all faiths, but Christians bear the overwhelming brunt of the attacks and have suffered in silence for two decades,” he said.
Moore further alleged that Christians are at significantly higher risk. “Christians are five times more likely to be killed than any other religious group,” he claimed, pointing to repeated attacks by Fulani militias and terrorist organizations.
“Fulani militias and terrorist groups constantly attack Christians, targeting pastors and priests, burning schools and churches, often on holy days. They have killed tens of thousands,” he added.
Praising former President Donald Trump’s approach to defending Christians globally, Moore described the current moment as a unique opportunity.
“President Trump’s decisive action and eagerness to defend Christians has created a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deepen and strengthen the relationship between our two nations and confront this crisis head on,” he said.
While emphasizing the need for Nigerian government support in addressing insecurity, Moore stressed that stronger political will is necessary.
“The Tinubu government must demonstrate the political will to defend suffering Christians by allocating resources to immediately reduce and ultimately end this violence,” he stated.
Moore proposed that any US-Nigeria agreement include clear, measurable commitments. He suggested co-funding humanitarian programs focused on Christians in the Middle Belt, establishing early-warning systems, and deploying security forces to protect vulnerable communities.
He also called for the removal of Fulani militias from seized farmlands and safe return of displaced persons.
“But critically, all of this must be contingent upon the Nigerian government providing proof of progress that it is, in fact, working to stabilize the country and protect Christians,” Moore emphasised.
Beyond aid conditions, Moore advocated stronger punitive measures. He urged President Trump to consider sanctions and visa restrictions against those involved in or tolerating attacks.
“America has a right to control who enters our country and when. We should certainly reject anyone who is attacking our brothers and sisters in Christ,” he said.
He also pushed for concerted efforts to disarm Fulani militias, whom he accused of being primarily responsible for attacks on Christians.
“They are more responsible than any other group, including ISWAP and Boko Haram, for the attacks on Christians in Nigeria,” Moore stated.
