A US Congressman has reiterated concerns over the alleged killings of Christians in Nigeria, despite the presidency’s denial of a genocide targeting the religious group. Representative Riley M. Moore stated that approximately 7,000 Christians have been killed in Nigeria this year, which translates to around 35 deaths per day.
In a recent interview with Fox News, Rep. Moore described the situation as a tragedy that has been ongoing for decades without sufficient attention. He, along with Senator Ted Cruz, has called for Nigeria to be designated as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) due to the alleged massacre of Christians. This designation would acknowledge the severity of the situation and potentially lead to increased international pressure to address the issue.
The Nigerian presidency has countered these claims, with media aide Daniel Bwala arguing that the country’s security crisis does not target a specific religion. However, Rep. Moore remains adamant that the situation warrants urgent attention, citing the high number of Christian deaths. He has sent a letter to Secretary Rubio requesting that Nigeria be redesignated as a CPC, emphasizing the need for international action to protect vulnerable populations.
The situation in Nigeria has been marked bypersistent insecurity, with various groups affected by violence and displacement. While the presidency maintains that the security issues are not religiously motivated, international observers and some lawmakers, like Rep. Moore, continue to express concern over the disproportionate impact on Christian communities.
The call for Nigeria’s designation as a CPC is part of a broader effort to address religious persecution and violence worldwide. This issue is likely to remain a point of discussion between international leaders and the Nigerian government, with potential implications for diplomatic relations and humanitarian initiatives. As the situation continues to unfold, international attention is expected to remain focused on the plight of affected communities in Nigeria.