- Moore criticised the Nigerian government’s response to the violence
- Moore alleged that Christians attending the burial were targeted by extremists
- He called on the Trump administration to take decisive action in support of Christians in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region
Riley Moore has urged the administration of Donald Trump to take stronger measures to protect Christians in Nigeria following renewed violence in Plateau State.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Moore made the appeal while reacting to reports of an attack in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, where gunmen reportedly opened fire on mourners gathered for a mass burial.
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Several people were feared dead and many injured after the attackers stormed the burial site during preparations for the funeral of seven victims killed in an earlier assault. The incident had not yet been officially confirmed by police authorities at the time of reporting.
In his statement, Moore criticised the Nigerian government’s response to the violence, comparing it to the country’s earlier military intervention in neighbouring Benin Republic during an attempted coup in December 2025.
According to him, Nigeria acted quickly to support Benin during the crisis but had failed to adequately protect its own citizens facing attacks in Plateau State.
Moore alleged that Christians attending the burial were targeted by extremists and accused authorities of failing to respond despite alleged warnings about possible attacks.
He called on the Trump administration to take decisive action in support of Christians in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region, which some foreign advocacy groups have described as an area facing severe religious violence.
The comments also received backing from Sean Nelson of Alliance Defending Freedom International, who described Moore’s remarks as strong and justified.
Nelson argued that greater pressure from the United States was needed to address attacks against Christian communities in Nigeria.
The attack reportedly occurred in Fan District, Barkin Ladi, where mourners were said to have come under gunfire while digging graves for earlier victims.
An eyewitness, journalist Masara Kim, claimed the attackers emerged from nearby hills and began shooting indiscriminately, forcing residents and mourners to flee.
The incident comes amid increasing claims by some American conservative politicians and advocacy groups, including allies of Ted Cruz, who allege that Christians in Nigeria are being systematically targeted by Islamist militants.
However, the Federal Government has repeatedly rejected accusations of religious genocide, insisting that insecurity in Nigeria affects both Christians and Muslims and is driven by broader issues such as insurgency, banditry, and communal conflicts.
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