US Congressman Riley Moore has reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, while firmly rejecting suggestions that dividing the country would improve security for vulnerable communities.
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Rep. Moore, a Republican representing West Virginia’s 2nd District, detailed his recent travels to Nigeria. He described engaging in high-level meetings with Nigerian officials, church leaders, aid organisations, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) to gain a deeper understanding of the ongoing violence targeting Christians, particularly in the northern and Middle Belt regions.
Moore stated that the notion of partitioning Nigeria “has not come up in any serious way” during his discussions. He warned that efforts to encourage separatist movements would harm Christians, especially in the North and Middle Belt, by destabilising the country further. “A destabilised Nigeria would embolden terrorists and make Christians less safe in Nigeria and across the continent,” he wrote.
The Congressman highlighted a recent US-Nigeria security cooperation agreement as a positive development. This pact, part of broader efforts including a Joint Working Group established following Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern under the International Religious Freedom Act, aims to tackle violence, promote religious freedom, and strengthen bilateral ties. Moore described it as “an important step in tackling the violence in Nigeria and deepening and strengthening the bilateral relationship between our great nations.”
Moore’s stance comes amid persistent reports of attacks on Christian communities. Advocacy groups continue to document killings, abductions, and displacements in the Middle Belt, often attributed to radical Fulani militants, Boko Haram, and ISIS-affiliated groups. Nigeria remains one of the deadliest places globally for Christians, with thousands killed in recent years according to various reports.
His comments drew sharp criticism from some online voices, who accused Moore of naivety and misunderstanding Nigeria’s complexities. The critics argued that the country is unsustainable in its current form and that peaceful division represents the best way to protect Christians. The response suggested that terrorists would view such statements as evidence of ignorance and claimed external influences, including lobbying, might have shaped Moore’s views.
Moore, who has previously introduced resolutions condemning the persecution and met with Nigerian officials including Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, emphasised his dedication to saving lives. “I remain committed to working to save the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ – and for that matter, all Nigerians – suffering from the instability wrought by terrorists throughout Nigeria,” he concluded.
The exchange underscores ongoing debates about the root causes of Nigeria’s insecurity – whether religious persecution, ethnic tensions, resource conflicts, or governance failures – and the most effective international responses. While US engagement has intensified under recent administrations, including military actions and diplomatic pressure, opinions remain divided on whether unity or restructuring offers the path to greater stability.
- Supreme Court Voids ADC “Status Quo Antebellum” Order in Unanimous Ruling
- Supreme Court Nullifies PDP Ibadan Convention in Split Decision
- Tinubu Appoints Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu as Foreign Affairs Minister
- Supreme Court to deliver judgment in Senator David Mark appeal and other political cases tomorrow
- Nigerian man sentenced to nearly two years in US prison for selling fake nursing diplomas and licences
