US Lawmaker condemns Plateau killings, urges Tinubu to protect Christians

A member of the United States House of Representatives, Chris Smith, has strongly condemned the recent wave of killings in Plateau State, calling on the Nigerian government to take urgent action to safeguard Christian communities.

Smith described the attacks as part of a “deeply disturbing pattern,” noting that the violence coincided with the Christian observance of Palm Sunday, a period leading up to Easter.

Gunmen had reportedly attacked a community bar in Jos on March 29, killing about 28 people, while a separate assault on Kimakpa village in Bassa Local Government Area left over 50 persons dead.

Reacting, the US lawmaker urged Nigerian authorities to deploy adequate security forces, ensure accountability for perpetrators, and uphold their constitutional duty to protect citizens regardless of religion.

“The fact that such atrocities are repeated year after year on the same holy day underscores the urgent need for decisive action,” Smith said, warning that continued attacks during significant religious periods threaten peaceful coexistence.

He added that as Christians observe Holy Week and approach Easter, the government must take concrete steps to guarantee safety and protect religious freedom.

“The Nigerian government has a fundamental responsibility… to protect all its citizens, regardless of their faith,” he stated, describing the killings as “heartbreaking and unacceptable.”

Meanwhile, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja, where he reportedly described the attacks as acts of terrorism.

Mutfwang noted that while the perpetrators remain unidentified, efforts are ongoing to address the security situation and restore calm to affected communities.

The renewed violence in Plateau has heightened concerns over security and religious tensions, particularly as the country approaches the Easter celebrations.