•US lawmaker Riley Moore and Tinubu
U.S. lawmakers are raising alarm over escalating violence against Christians in Nigeria, calling for urgent action from the Nigerian government and accountability tied to continued American support.
In a joint statement released during Holy Week on United States congressman, Riley Moore’s X account today, a group of U.S. legislators led by Robert Aderholt condemned what they described as ongoing attacks and persecution targeting Christian communities, particularly in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region.
The lawmakers said the timing, coinciding with one of the most sacred periods in the Christian calendar, underscores the severity and symbolism of the violence, reports AFP.
The statement read, “As Christians in Nigeria continue to face brutal violence and death for their faith this Holy Week, I joined VAT Chairman in leading 19 of our colleagues in a statement condemning violence and persecution against Christians.
“We also reminded the Nigerian government that President Trump signed bipartisan legislation that includes language that and I fought for to explicitly tie continued U.S. security assistance to the Nigerians making significant progress in addressing violence against Christians in the Middle Belt. This horrific persecution must end. Now.”
According to the group, those provisions were championed by members including United States Representative, Mario Diaz-Balart to ensure that aid is contingent on demonstrable improvements in protecting vulnerable communities.
Nigeria’s Middle Belt has long been a flashpoint for conflict involving farmers and herders, with violence often taking on ethnic and religious dimensions.
While analysts note the complexity of the crisis, U.S. lawmakers stressed that the protection of civilians, regardless of cause, must remain a priority
The statement concludes with a direct call for an end to what it describes as “horrific persecution,” urging both Nigerian authorities and the international community to intensify efforts to curb the violence and prevent further loss of life.
