A United States congressman representing West Virginia’s Second District, Riley M. Moore, has appealed to President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to take decisive action against Nigeria over what he described as the systematic persecution and mass killing of Christians in the country.
In a letter dated October 6, 2025, and addressed to Secretary Rubio, Moore urged the reinstatement of Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) — a classification reserved for nations that tolerate or participate in severe violations of religious freedom. He also called for the suspension of arms sales and technical support to Nigeria until the government takes concrete steps to end religiously motivated violence.
> “I write to urge you to take immediate action to address the systematic persecution and slaughter of Christians in Nigeria,” Moore stated. “As a Christian nation founded upon biblical principles, the United States bears a unique obligation to defend the freedom and protection of Christians worldwide. Nigeria has become the deadliest place in the world to be a Christian, and the United States cannot stand idly by.”
Citing statistics from Open Doors and other humanitarian organizations, Moore claimed that over 7,000 Christians have been killed in Nigeria in 2025 alone, averaging about 35 deaths per day. He further alleged that more than 19,100 churches have been attacked or destroyed since 2009, and at least 850 Christians remain in captivity under jihadist groups.
The lawmaker accused terrorist organizations such as Boko Haram, Ansaru, and ISIS-West Africa of orchestrating these attacks, while suggesting that corrupt elements within Nigeria’s government may also be complicit. He condemned what he described as state-backed violations of religious freedom, including the closure of Christian orphanages and the enforcement of anti-blasphemy laws in northern states.
> “In northern states like Kano, authorities have shut down Christian orphanages and forced the children to be reeducated as Muslims,” Moore wrote. “The federal and state governments continue to uphold anti-blasphemy laws, with some states imposing even harsher penalties — including long prison sentences for alleged insults against the Prophet Mohammed.”
Moore rejected Nigerian government claims that terrorism affects all religious groups equally, arguing that Christians remain the primary victims of extremist attacks. He characterized the crisis as “a form of genocide”, asserting that much of the violence stems from Muslim extremist groups motivated by anti-Christian hatred.
> “Nigeria is now home to no fewer than 22 Islamic terror groups affiliated with ISIS and other global jihadist networks. Ignoring the religious dimension of this violence only emboldens it,” he warned.
The congressman urged President Trump and Secretary Rubio to restore Nigeria’s CPC designation, which was first imposed during Trump’s initial presidency but lifted in 2021 under President Joe Biden.
> “I strongly urge you to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern without delay,” Moore concluded. “Furthermore, the U.S. should suspend arms sales and related technical assistance until the Nigerian government demonstrates a clear commitment to protecting Christians from persecution and violence.”
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