US Congressman Riley Moore has blamed terrorist groups, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), for what he described as the continued killing of Christians in Nigeria.
The lawmaker also accused armed Fulani militants of carrying out attacks in parts of the country. He made the remarks while discussing Nigeria’s security situation and the protection of religious freedom.
Moore Names Terror Groups
According to Moore, extremist organisations remain responsible for many attacks on Christian communities, particularly in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
He said Boko Haram, ISWAP and armed Fulani militants have displaced thousands of people and left many communities vulnerable.
“The systematic slaughter of Christians in Nigeria’s Middle Belt is a genocide met with years of shameful indifference.”
Moore urged the international community to pay greater attention to the attacks and support efforts to protect vulnerable communities.
Calls for Greater International Action
The congressman also called on the United States to strengthen its engagement with Nigeria on security and religious freedom.
Furthermore, he urged the Nigerian government to intensify efforts against terrorist groups and improve protection for affected communities.
According to him, stronger cooperation between both countries will help address the growing security challenges.
Claims Remain Disputed
Nigerian authorities have repeatedly rejected descriptions of the violence as a “Christian genocide.”
Government officials maintain that insecurity affects both Christians and Muslims across different parts of the country. Similarly, some independent analysts argue that the violence involves terrorism, banditry, communal clashes and farmer-herder conflicts rather than a campaign against one religious group alone.
Debate Continues
Meanwhile, Moore has continued to push for stronger action in the US Congress on religious freedom issues involving Nigeria.
The debate is expected to continue as Nigerian authorities, international observers and foreign lawmakers express different views on the country’s security crisis.
