Representative Riley Moore, a member of the United States Congress, says that Christians in Nigeria have been the targets of violent attacks for more than 20 years. He is calling for strong American intervention and better conditions for both countries to deal with the situation.
Moore talked on how insecurity is getting worse in Nigeria. He added that violence affects people of all faiths, but he stressed that Christians are targeted more than others, according to AFP.
“Violence and insecurity in Nigeria affect people of all faiths, but Christians are the ones who are most affected and have been suffering in silence for 20 years,” he stated.
He said that “Christians are five times more likely to be killed than any other religious group” because Fulani militias and terrorist groups often attack Christian towns.
“Fulani militias and terrorist groups attack Christians all the time, going after pastors and priests and burning schools and churches, often on holy days. Moore said, “They have killed tens of thousands.”
Moore praised President Donald Trump for being prepared to protect Christians around the world. He said that this is “a once-in-a-generation opportunity” to build ties between the United States and Nigeria while dealing with insecurity.
He stated, “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.”
Moore added that the Nigerian government needs help dealing with security issues, but the administration of President Bola Tinubu needs to show more political will.
He said, “The Tinubu government must show the political will to protect suffering Christians by giving resources to quickly stop this violence and eventually end it.”
Moore said that any accord between Washington and Abuja should depend on Nigeria making measurable promises.
He cited a number of demands, such as co-funding humanitarian aid that puts Christians in the Middle Belt first, setting up early warning systems for attacks, and sending armed security personnel to stop bloodshed.
He also told the Nigerian government to get rid of Fulani militants from farms that had been taken over and let people who had to leave their homes go back to them on their own.
“But most importantly, all of this depends on the Nigerian government proving that it is really working to stabilize the country and protect Christians,” Moore stressed.
Trade leverage, visa restrictions, and sanctions
Moore told President Trump to think about putting sanctions on people who are involved in or allow violence against Christians and limiting their ability to get visas.
“America has the right to decide who can come into our country and when. He remarked, “We should definitely turn down anyone who is attacking our brothers and sisters in Christ.”
He also called for strong measures to disarm Fulani militias, saying they are “more responsible than any other group, including ISWAP and Boko Haram, for the attacks on Christians in Nigeria.”
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