WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Riley M. Moore has called on the U.S. government to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” citing what he described as the ongoing persecution and killing of Christians in the country.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Moore said Christians in Nigeria are being “persecuted and killed” for their faith in Jesus Christ, urging U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to take stronger diplomatic action.
“Christians are being persecuted and killed in Nigeria for professing their faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The killings must stop,” Moore wrote.
“That’s why I’m urging @SecRubio to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern. We must use every diplomatic tool to end this horrific slaughter of our brothers and sisters in Christ.”
Moore made the remarks while appearing on Fox Business with host Stuart Varney, where he reiterated his call for Washington to respond more forcefully to what he described as a growing humanitarian crisis affecting Christian communities in Nigeria.
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has repeatedly recommended that Nigeria be listed as a Country of Particular Concern, a designation reserved for nations that engage in or tolerate severe violations of religious freedom. However, the U.S. State Department has in recent years declined to include Nigeria on the list, drawing criticism from human rights advocates and faith-based organizations.
Moore said it was time for the U.S. to act decisively, warning that continued inaction would embolden extremist groups responsible for the attacks.
“The United States must stand for religious freedom around the world,” he said. “Turning a blind eye to the persecution of Christians in Nigeria is unacceptable.”
