A United States Congressman, Riley Moore, has condemned the recent attacks on Christians in Nigeria, warning that continued violence could strain diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the United States.
His reaction follows reports of a deadly Palm Sunday assault in Jos, Plateau State, where at least 10 Christians were reportedly killed in Anguwan Rukuba.
In a post via 𝕏 on Monday, Moore described the killings as part of a troubling and recurring pattern of violence targeting Christian worshippers during major religious observances.
“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,” he said.
The lawmaker further alleged that such incidents have become frequent during Christian holy days.
“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,” he added.
Moore, who was part of a United States fact-finding delegation on alleged Christian persecution in Nigeria, urged the Federal Government to strengthen security measures ahead of forthcoming religious activities, particularly Easter.
“Abuja knows this pattern, and they must massively ramp up security for the Triduum and Easter. If they don’t take this threat seriously and mobilise to defend our brothers and sisters in Christ, the blood of these martyrs will be on their hands, and there will be significant consequences for Nigeria’s relationship with the United States,” he warned.
In a subsequent remark while reacting to a social media post, Moore wrote, “This is disgusting. A new low, even for the @NYTimes. It’s been barely a day since Jos was rocked by this horrific attack by radical Islamic terrorists against peaceful Christians, and the Times couldn’t bother to ask for comment before running this anti-Christian hit.
“Here’s what I would have said if you asked for comment: “How many more Christians need to be slaughtered by Muslims, particularly on holy days, before the failing New York Times acknowledges that Christians in Nigeria are being massacred for their faith in our Lord and Saviour? It’s pretty obvious if you aren’t trying to pass your radical political agenda off as news.”
Plateau State has remained one of the hotspots of recurring violence in Nigeria’s North-Central region, with attacks by non-state actors becoming increasingly frequent.
On March 14, suspected bandits reportedly killed 20 persons and rustled cattle in a community in Jos.
According to the Kanam Development Association, the attackers ambushed soldiers on routine patrol, leading to a deadly confrontation.
“In the unfortunate exchange of gunfire that followed the ambush, our nation lost brave defenders who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty,” the group said, noting that 12 security personnel and eight local defenders lost their lives.
The assailants were also said to have invaded a nearby community, carting away valuables, including livestock.
“This further compounds the suffering of already vulnerable rural communities,” KADA added, stressing that the area has witnessed repeated attacks and kidnappings in recent years.
Efforts by security agencies to contain the surge in violence have been hampered by the activities of multiple armed groups, leaving many communities exposed to persistent threats and humanitarian challenges.