The nature of violence in Nigeria has come under renewed scrutiny following comments by a U.S. congressman who linked recent attacks to religious persecution.
In a statement shared on social media, Rep. Riley Moore said recent developments should put an end to arguments that violence against Christians in Nigeria is driven by land disputes, climate change, or other socio-economic factors. He alleged that extremist groups linked to the Islamic State (ISIS) are deliberately targeting Christians and, in some cases, offering them the option of conversion to Islam to avoid being killed.
Moore described the situation as “clear persecution”, arguing that the attacks are motivated by religious ideology rather than environmental or economic pressures.
“This is not about land use, climate change, or other explanations often advanced”, he said. “It is about the persecution of people for their Christian faith”.
The congressman praised Nigerian Christians for what he described as their refusal to renounce their faith despite threats from extremist groups, saying they have remained steadfast under pressure.
He also commended former U.S. President Donald Trump for maintaining cooperation with the Nigerian government aimed at countering Islamist extremism and protecting vulnerable communities.
Moore said continued collaboration between the United States and Nigeria was essential to confronting extremist groups and defending civilians.
The Nigerian government, however, has repeatedly rejected claims that violence in the country is targeted at any one religious group or condoned by the state. Authorities maintain that Nigeria is confronting terrorism, banditry, and criminal violence in all forms, stressing that the security challenge is complex and rooted in extremist insurgency, organised crime and local conflicts.
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