US Lawmaker Alleges Fulani Militants Lead Christian Persecution in Nigeria
United States Representative Riley Moore has asserted that Fulani militants are the largest perpetrators of violence against Christians in Nigeria. The lawmaker made the claim in a post on his X account on Wednesday, July 8, as part of his ongoing investigation into what he describes as the persecution of Christians in the country.
Recurring Attacks on Rural Communities
Moore's comments come amid a backdrop of recurring attacks on rural communities in Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, and parts of Southern Kaduna. Suspected armed Fulani herdsmen have been blamed for many of these attacks, which have resulted in numerous deaths and displacements.
Progress Against Boko Haram and ISWAP
In his message, Moore acknowledged that the administration of US President Donald Trump made significant gains in degrading the capabilities of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). However, he argued that deadly attacks linked to armed Fulani militants continue to claim lives, particularly in Nigeria's Middle Belt region.
Moore's Full Statement
Riley wrote on X: “As I have been saying since I started investigating the genocide against Christians in Nigeria, Fulani militants are by far the largest perpetrators of violence against Christians in Nigeria. Nevertheless, the Trump Administration has made historic progress against Boko Haram and ISWAP, but we must also stop the killing in the Middle Belt at the hands of the Fulani if we want to ensure our brothers and sisters in Christ are safe to live and worship without being murdered.”
Impact and Reactions
The statement has sparked discussions on the security situation in Nigeria, particularly regarding the activities of armed Fulani herdsmen. Human rights groups have long documented attacks on Christian communities in the Middle Belt, with thousands killed and many more displaced over the past decade. The claim by Moore adds to the international scrutiny of Nigeria's handling of security challenges.
