US Congressman Explains Why Nigeria May Retain CPC Designation Over Christian Killings

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A United States Congressman, Riley Moore, has said Nigeria should remain on the US list of Countries of Particular Concern (CPC) until the government takes stronger action to protect Christian communities from attacks.

Moore said the continued violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, particularly attacks affecting Christian communities, made it difficult for the United States to consider removing the designation.

In a post on his official X account, the Congressman backed the US State Department’s call for the Nigerian government to fulfil its responsibility to protect vulnerable communities.

“We absolutely cannot remove the CPC designation from Nigeria while radical Islamic terrorists continue this horrific violence against Christians,” Moore said.

He added that the Nigerian government must honour its commitments to protect innocent Christian communities.

Moore was reacting to a statement by the US Bureau of African Affairs condemning a recent attack in Plateau State in which more than 24 people were reportedly killed, while others were said to be missing.

Residents said the attackers invaded communities at night and opened fire on people in their homes, forcing families to flee and leaving others mourning their loved ones.

The US Bureau of African Affairs described the incident as another disturbing attack in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and urged the Nigerian government to strengthen efforts to protect Christian communities and bring those responsible to justice.

The renewed comments from US officials come amid continued concerns over insecurity in Plateau, Benue and other parts of the Middle Belt.

The Nigerian government has, however, consistently rejected claims that the violence is primarily driven by religious persecution, maintaining that the insecurity is linked to several factors, including terrorism, criminality, communal disputes, land conflicts and competition over resources.

The United States first designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern in 2020 under the International Religious Freedom Act. Nigeria was removed from the list in 2021 but continued to face monitoring over religious freedom and security concerns.

The designation was reinstated by the Trump administration last year. Since then, Nigeria and the United States have continued discussions through a joint working group on religious freedom and security.

The CPC status is reviewed annually by the US State Department, with the next review expected in November.

Christian leaders support US concerns

Meanwhile, the Christian Elders and Professionals Consultative Council of Nigeria (CEPCCN) has backed international concerns over the safety of Christian communities and the wider security crisis in the country.

In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Bishop Alpha Ikpeama, the group said every Nigerian life should be treated as equally valuable, regardless of religious affiliation.

The council condemned attacks targeting Christians, churches, clergy and Christian communities because of their faith, while also stressing that Muslims, traditional worshippers and other vulnerable Nigerians deserved equal protection.

CEPCCN called for thorough investigations into attacks linked to religious identity and urged authorities to prosecute those responsible.

The group also demanded improved intelligence gathering, early-warning mechanisms, rapid security responses, community protection and effective prosecution of perpetrators.

According to the council, Nigeria’s security challenges are complex and involve terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, organised crime and communal conflicts, requiring a broad and citizen-focused response.

It urged the Federal Government to engage constructively with international partners rather than responding to concerns through confrontation.

The council maintained that protecting citizens should remain the government’s primary responsibility, regardless of religion, ethnicity, community or political affiliation.