A member of the United States Congress, Representative Riley Moore, has argued that Nigeria should remain on the US list of Countries of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged persecution of Christians, citing continued violence in parts of the Middle Belt.
Moore made the position known on Thursday in a post on his official X account while reacting to comments from the US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs.
He supported the US State Department’s call for the Nigerian Government to strengthen the protection of Christian communities following the recent attack in Plateau State, in which more than 24 people were reportedly killed and others declared missing.
Moore said the CPC designation should not be removed while what he described as attacks by radical Islamic terrorists against Christians continued.
He also backed calls for the Nigerian Government to fulfil its commitment to protect Christian communities and ensure that those responsible for violence are held accountable.
The US Bureau of African Affairs had earlier condemned the Plateau attack, describing the killing of residents in their homes as horrific and calling on Nigerian authorities to protect vulnerable communities and prosecute those responsible.
Community leaders in the affected areas have described the attack as barbaric and appealed for increased security deployment to rural communities, which they say have repeatedly come under attack.
The renewed comments from Moore and the Bureau of African Affairs come amid continued scrutiny of Nigeria’s security situation in Plateau, Benue and other parts of the Middle Belt.
The Nigerian Government has, however, consistently rejected claims that the violence is primarily driven by religious persecution, maintaining that many of the conflicts are linked to land disputes, competition over resources and criminality.
The United States first designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern in 2020 under the International Religious Freedom Act. The classification applies to countries considered to have engaged in or tolerated systematic and serious violations of religious freedom.
Nigeria was removed from the CPC list in 2021 but continued to face monitoring by the US State Department. The Trump administration subsequently returned Nigeria to the list last year.
Since then, the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group referenced by the US Bureau of African Affairs has held two meetings to assess progress and review measures taken by Abuja to address Washington’s concerns.
The CPC designation is reviewed annually by the US State Department, with the next review scheduled for November.
Christian Elders Support US Concerns
Meanwhile, the Christian Elders and Professionals Consultative Council of Nigeria (CEPCCN) has backed concerns raised by the United States about the safety of Christian communities and Nigeria’s worsening security situation.
In a statement signed by its National Chairman, His Lordship Bishop Alpha Ikpeama, the group said every Nigerian life should be valued equally regardless of religious affiliation.
The council condemned attacks on Christians, churches, clergy and Christian communities because of their faith, while also stressing that Muslims, traditional religious practitioners and other vulnerable groups must receive equal protection.
CEPCCN said the primary responsibility for protecting Nigerian citizens rests with the Nigerian State and called for serious investigations into reports of killings, persecution, kidnapping and displacement.
The group urged authorities to strengthen intelligence gathering, early-warning mechanisms, rapid response capabilities and community protection, while ensuring that perpetrators of violence are prosecuted.
It also called for an approach that protects Nigerians irrespective of religion, ethnicity, community or political affiliation.
According to the council, Nigeria’s security crisis is complex and includes terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, organised crime and communal conflicts, requiring a citizen-focused response.
CEPCCN further encouraged the Federal Government to address legitimate concerns raised by international partners through dialogue and constructive engagement.
The group said cooperation with responsible international partners could help strengthen Nigeria’s ability to protect citizens, combat terrorism and improve national security.
