US Congressman flags Nigeria Christian Attacks; Plateau, Kaduna hit amid rising insecurity

United States Congressman Riley Moore has warned that continued attacks on Christians in Nigeria could strain diplomatic relations with the US, following deadly incidents in Jos and Kagarko on Palm Sunday.

Reports indicate that gunmen suspected to be terrorists killed no fewer than 40 people across the two states, with 27 fatalities recorded in Angwa Rukuba community, Jos North Local Government Area, and 13 wedding guests mowed down in Kahir village, Kaduna. The Plateau State Police, however, confirmed 14 deaths in Jos.

The attacks forced the University of Jos (UNIJOS) to reschedule examinations slated for Monday and Tuesday due to security concerns. Plateau State chapter of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) condemned the killings, describing them as a major setback to peace efforts in the state.

Reacting on social media, Moore condemned the attacks as part of a disturbing trend targeting worshippers during Christian observances. He urged Nigerian authorities to take urgent action to prevent further bloodshed. “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, and there will be significant consequences for Nigeria’s relationship with the United States,” Moore warned.

Eyewitness accounts from Angwa Rukuba indicate the attackers, operating in large numbers, opened fire around 7:30 pm, throwing the densely populated community into panic. Mr. Dalyop Mwantiri, President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, confirmed 14 victims were killed on the spot, with 13 others dying later in hospital. Plateau State government imposed a 48-hour curfew on Jos North Local Government Area, while Governor Caleb Mutfwang assured residents that all measures were being taken to apprehend the perpetrators.

In Kaduna, attackers stormed a wedding in Kahir village around 11:47 pm, killing 13 guests and abducting an unspecified number of others. The gunmen, armed with AK-47 rifles, operated for nearly an hour, looting shops and causing widespread panic. Security forces have launched search operations, while Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Balarabe and Senator Sani Musa visited the injured at Kagarko General Hospital.

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has called for liberalised access to basic self-defence weapons for citizens, accusing the Department of State Services (DSS) of intimidation and harassment, citing the case of House of Representatives aspirant Terry Tsala. MBF argued that citizens should be allowed lawful, affordable means to protect themselves amid ongoing attacks in Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, Taraba, and Kogi states.

Amid the violence, governors of the 19 Northern states reaffirmed their commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s security and developmental strategy. The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) expressed confidence in the federal approach to stabilising the region, pledging collaborative efforts to enhance peace, security, and strategic policy implementation.

The deadly Palm Sunday attacks underscore escalating security challenges in the Middle Belt and northern Nigeria, raising urgent calls for coordinated action to protect communities and restore public confidence.