Amanze Chinonye
A member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Riley Moore of West Virginia, has introduced a resolution condemning what he described as the “systematic persecution and slaughter” of Christians in Nigeria.
The measure urges support for President Donald J. Trump’s renewed intervention on the crisis and calls for stronger U.S. pressure on the Nigerian government.
The resolution, submitted this week and referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, outlines what it calls “the highest levels of violence against Christians anywhere in the world” and accuses Nigerian authorities of failing to protect vulnerable communities.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to the text, jihadist groups, including Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and armed Fulani militias have carried out sustained attacks since 2009, leaving tens of thousands dead, villages destroyed, and millions displaced. It cites estimates indicating that between 50,000 and 100,000 Christians have been killed during that period, while 7,000 deaths have been recorded so far in 2025 alone.
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The resolution also notes that more than 19,000 churches have been attacked or destroyed, and that clergy remain prime targets, with over 250 priests, pastors, and seminarians killed in the last decade. The murder of Nigerian priest Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu, abducted on Ash Wednesday this year, is highlighted as a recent example.
The document sharply criticises the Nigerian federal government for repeatedly denying that Christians are being targeted for their faith. It references President Bola Tinubu’s September statement that there is “no religious persecution in Nigeria,” describing it as inconsistent with “overwhelming documentation” of targeted violence.
One incident flagged was the October 14, 2025, killings in Rachas village, Plateau State, where a pastor’s warning of a planned Fulani militia attack was dismissed by the Nigerian Army as “fake news.” At least a dozen Christians were killed the following day.
The resolution also condemns Nigeria’s enforcement of blasphemy laws, including the death penalty under Sharia criminal codes in 12 northern states, which the text says have contributed to mob violence, arbitrary imprisonment, and rights violations.
Representative Moore frames his resolution as complementary to President Trump’s decision on October 31 to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) under U.S. law, a move that unlocks sanctions and other diplomatic levers.
Trump previously designated Nigeria a CPC in 2020 before the classification was removed by the Biden administration in 2021, a reversal that Moore argues coincided with an escalation of attacks.
Moore insists the U.S. government should be prepared to use “every diplomatic, economic, and security tool” to ensure accountability, protect Christian populations, facilitate the return of displaced persons, and push for the repeal of blasphemy laws.
In a series of posts on his official X handle, Moore described Nigeria as “the deadliest place in the world to be a Christian,” citing figures of 35 Christian deaths per day this year. He reiterated that the attacks are “deliberate campaigns of religious cleansing” rather than communal conflicts, pointing to massacres on Christian holy days such as the 2022 Pentecost attack, the 2023 Christmas Eve killings, and the 2025 Holy Week massacres.
Moore commended Trump’s “bold leadership” and said the United States “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening.” He pledged to continue advocating for persecuted Christians and warned that global silence would only embolden extremist groups.
The resolution does not carry the force of law but signals congressional support for a more assertive U.S. posture toward Nigeria. If advanced by the House Committee, it could influence future congressional debates, appropriations, or sanctions linked to human rights.
The Nigerian government has not yet issued an official response to the resolution.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
