By Palang Paul
A United States Congressman, Riley M. Moore, has called on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to take strong diplomatic measures against the Nigerian government over what he described as the ongoing persecution and killings of Christians in the country.
In a letter dated October 6, 2025, Moore urged the U.S. government to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act and suspend arms sales until the Nigerian authorities take concrete action to end the violence.
> “Nigeria has become the deadliest place in the world to be a Christian,” Moore wrote. “The United States cannot stand idly by while such persecution continues.”
The Congressman cited reports claiming that over 7,000 Christians have been killed in Nigeria in 2025 alone, averaging 35 deaths daily. He also referenced data suggesting that more than 19,000 churches have been attacked or destroyed since 2009, while 15 million people have been displaced by extremist violence.
Moore linked the attacks to Islamist insurgent groups such as Boko Haram, ISIS–West Africa, and Ansaru, but also alleged that some government officials and regional authorities may be complicit in the violence.
He accused local governments in northern Nigeria of enforcing anti-Christian policies, including the closure of Christian orphanages and the forced reeducation of children in Islamic schools. He also criticized the use of anti-blasphemy laws, citing a recent case in which a man received a 24-year prison sentence for allegedly insulting Prophet Mohammed.
> “While Nigerians of all faiths face terrorism, Christians remain the most targeted group,” he stated, calling for “decisive and immediate U.S. action.”
Moore also noted that former President Donald Trump designated Nigeria as a CPC in 2020, a decision reversed by President Joe Biden. He urged Secretary Rubio to restore the designation and impose a temporary arms embargo until Nigeria demonstrates a commitment to protecting religious freedoms.
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