U.S. Rep. Vows to Advocate for Nigerian Christians After Meeting Plateau Governor

U.S. Rep. Riley Moore said he will continue to press for the protection of Christians in Nigeria following a meeting with Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, as violence persists across parts of the country’s Middle Belt.

Moore made the statement on his verified X account after the meeting, which focused on security, economic challenges, and bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and the United States. In his post, the West Virginia lawmaker said he remains committed to working with Nigerian authorities “in coordination and cooperation” to address insecurity, with particular concern for attacks affecting Christian communities.

“It was an honor to meet with the Governor of Plateau State in Nigeria, @CalebMutfwang,” Moore wrote. “We had a meaningful and productive conversation about deepening the ties between our two countries. I remain committed to working with the Nigerian government in coordination and cooperation to address these security and economic challenges, especially the persecution our Christian brothers and sisters face.”

The meeting comes amid continued reports of deadly attacks in Plateau state and neighboring areas, where rural communities — many of them predominantly Christian — have experienced repeated violence. Local leaders and residents have reported killings, destruction of homes, and displacement following attacks attributed to armed groups operating in the region.

In recent days, residents of the Abande community in Mbaikyor precinct, Turan district, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue state, reported that at least 17 people were killed on Feb. 3 during an overnight attack. Community members said victims were Christians and that searches were still underway for additional bodies at the time of reporting. Local authorities had not released an official casualty figure at the time of publication.

The Abande attack is one of several reported incidents across northern and central Nigeria in recent weeks. According to figures provided by local sources and community leaders, dozens of civilians have been killed in several states, including Katsina, Zamfara, Niger, Benue, and Kwara. These figures could not be independently verified, and security agencies have not issued a consolidated national toll.

Nigeria has faced years of insecurity driven by multiple factors, including farmer-herder conflicts, banditry, insurgency, and communal violence. Christian advocacy groups say communities in the Middle Belt have been disproportionately affected, while Nigerian officials maintain that the violence is criminal and security-related rather than religiously motivated.

Moore praised Governor Mutfwang’s efforts to protect vulnerable communities in Plateau state and said continued engagement with Nigerian leaders is necessary. His comments have drawn attention among Nigerian Christians and international observers, some of whom have called for increased diplomatic pressure and accountability. In contrast, others have emphasized that responsibility for protecting citizens rests with Nigeria’s government.

The congressman’s remarks add to growing international scrutiny of Nigeria’s security situation, particularly as attacks on Christian rural communities continue to be reported. Human rights and religious freedom organization International Committee on Nigeria (ICON) has urged transparent investigations, protection for civilians, and long-term measures to address the drivers of violence.

Nigerian federal authorities have said they are taking steps to improve security through military deployments and coordination with state governments. However, residents in affected areas say attacks have continued despite these measures.

As discussions between U.S. and Nigerian officials continue, Moore said he intends to keep the situation of Nigerian Christians on the international agenda while engaging with Nigerian leaders on broader security and economic cooperation.

Le poste U.S. Rep. Vows to Advocate for Nigerian Christians After Meeting Plateau Governor apparu pour la première fois le Préoccupation chrétienne internationale.

https://persecution.org/2026/02/05/u-s-rep-vows-to-advocate-for-nigerian-christians-after-meeting-plateau-governor/