Riley Moore, United States Representative from West Virginia, condemned the killings of Christians in Plateau State and demanded stronger security measures from Nigerian authorities. He issued the warning on Monday following reports of an attack in Jos.
Gunmen attacked residents in Anguwan Rukuba during Palm Sunday observances. The assault occurred on Sunday night and resulted in multiple deaths. Local sources reported that attackers arrived on motorcycles and targeted Christians specifically.
“This Palm Sunday, reports from Nigeria indicate that at least 10 Christians were martyred in the city of Jos,” Moore stated. “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.”
Moore previously participated in a fact finding delegation to Nigeria. He examined security challenges and religious violence during that visit. Consequently, he urged the Federal Government to increase protection for Christian communities.
Furthermore, Moore warned that continued violence would damage bilateral relations. He specifically noted that Abuja understood the recurring pattern of attacks during religious holidays.
“Abuja knows this pattern and they must massively ramp up security for the Triduum and Easter,” Moore declared. “If they don’t take this threat seriously and mobilize 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.”
As reported by ALO360, the Plateau State government imposed a 48 hour curfew in the affected district. Additionally, the University of Jos suspended examinations scheduled for Monday.
