The ongoing violence against Christians in Nigeria has sparked urgent calls for international action, particularly from U.S. lawmakers. Republican Rep. Riley Moore from West Virginia is pushing for Nigeria to be designated as a Country of Particular Concern. This designation would restrict U.S. aid to Nigeria and hold its government accountable for failing to protect its Christian population.
During a video shared on social media, Moore emphasized the severity of the situation: “What we want is for the killings to stop.” He highlighted that Nigerian Christians are enduring a systematic campaign of persecution at the hands of Islamic terrorist groups. The situation has escalated, with reports that various militant organizations are discriminately targeting Christians and killing them. Since the beginning of the year, Moore estimates that around 7,000 Christians have been killed, averaging 35 deaths daily due to their faith.
Moore’s concerns point to a troubling potential collaboration between the Nigerian government and the terrorist organizations perpetrating this violence. He argued that the government appears complicit in these atrocities, allowing the systematic targeting of Christians to continue unchecked. “I think there is a question of collusion between the current Islamic government in Nigeria and these terrorist organizations,” he stated.
The numbers are chilling. Moore reported that since 2009, 50,000 to 100,000 Christians have been murdered, along with 19,000 churches attacked or destroyed. “This is an astounding number nobody is talking about,” he insisted, labeling it as genocide. His emotional appeal as a Christian resonates deeply as he raises awareness about the brutality faced by his fellow believers: “This is something I deeply care about. My Christian brothers and sisters are being murdered in Nigeria, and this is me raising the alarm in the United States.”
In his correspondence to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Moore reflected on the tragic events surrounding significant dates in the Christian calendar, such as the kidnapping and murder of a priest on Ash Wednesday and the martyrdom of 54 Christians on Palm Sunday. The congressman stressed the urgency for the U.S. to take decisive action: “The United States cannot stand idly by while believers are slaughtered.”
This call to action also comes with a backdrop of a prayer initiative organized by the Texas Baptists Center for Cultural Engagement alongside 21 Wilberforce. The event invites Christians across the U.S. to take part in a week of prayer for the persecuted church in Nigeria, underscoring the urgent need for spiritual and political support for those suffering for their faith.
Moore concluded with an appeal for swift action: “It’s time for the United States to defend our brothers and sisters in Christ, and designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern will provide the diplomatic levers to do just that.” The situation remains precarious, and the need for attention to the plight of Christians in Nigeria has never been more critical.
"*" indicates required fields
