By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

U.S. Congressman, Riley Moore has warned the Nigerian government that failing to stop the targeted killing of Christians in Plateau and Kaduna will strain diplomatic ties. He emphasized that the recurring violence demands a stronger response to protect vulnerable citizens.

The warning follows a bloody Palm Sunday where approximately 40 people were killed by terrorists. While 27 died in Jos North, Plateau, another 13 wedding guests were murdered in Kaduna, though police figures remain lower than local reports.

Moore condemned the brutality of the attacks, stating, “Radical Islamic terrorists opened fire on the Christians before hacking them to pieces with machetes.

This is sickening and unacceptable, but it’s not surprising.”

He criticized the Nigerian leadership’s perceived inaction, warning that the blood of martyrs would be on their hands. Moore noted, “If they don’t take this threat seriously and mobilise to defend our brothers and sisters in Christ, blood of these martyrs will be on their hands.”

The Plateau Police Command, led by CP Bassey Ewah, confirmed that security forces are currently trailing the suspects. Joint operations have been deployed to the area, with the command stating, “Investigations are underway to track the perpetrators of this dastardly act.”

Religious and community groups like the JNI have called for calm to prevent retaliatory violence. Demanding justice, the group remarked, “Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done to restore public confidence.”

Survivors described the horror of the night raid, reporting that attackers arrived in large numbers and fired sporadically into homes. The sudden assault caused mass panic in the Angwa Rukuba community, leading to a tightened security presence.

The U.S. lawmaker concluded by stressing that the international community is monitoring the situation closely. He warned of the geopolitical fallout, stating, “There will be significant consequences for Nigeria’s relationship with the United States.”