U.S. Lawmaker Riley Moore Warns Nigeria Over Plateau Killings, Says Violence Could Strain U.S.–Nigeria Ties

A prominent United States lawmaker, Riley M. Moore, has issued a stern warning to the Nigerian government over the ongoing wave of deadly attacks in parts of the country, particularly in Plateau State, saying the violence could negatively impact diplomatic relations between Nigeria and United States.

Moore’s warning comes in the wake of a Palm Sunday attack in Anguwan Rukuba, Jos, where reports indicate that at least 10 Christians were killed by gunmen in a brutal assault that occurred during religious observances. The lawmaker took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to condemn the killings and express deep concern over what he described as a “disturbing pattern” of violence targeting worshippers.  

ALSO READ: El Salvador Prison Labor: Inmates Seen Working to Pay for Their Crimes Under Bukele

In his post, Moore urged Nigerian authorities to dramatically strengthen security measures, especially ahead of upcoming religious celebrations, warning that failure to protect citizens could lead to “significant consequences for Nigeria’s relationship with the United States.”  

“This Palm Sunday, reports from Nigeria indicate that at least 10 Christians were martyred in the city of Jos. Radical Islamic terrorists opened fire on the Christians before hacking them to pieces with machetes,” Moore wrote, stressing that similar attacks have occurred during other Christian holy days in recent memory.  

Moore’s comments reflect growing international concern about rising insecurity in central Nigeria, where communities in Plateau and neighboring states like Kaduna have been repeatedly hit by violence in recent months. Local reports have documented attacks on civilians, with varying casualty figures, as residents and leaders call for urgent action from security agencies.  

The U.S. lawmaker’s warning underscores the potential diplomatic ramifications of Nigeria’s internal security challenges, as global partners watch closely and urge decisive measures to protect citizens and restore stability.