Christians’ Killings: Why US Won’t Remove Nigeria’s CPC Tag

A member of the United States Congress, Rep. Riley Moore, has insisted that Nigeria should remain on the US Country of Particular Concern, CPC, list over concerns about alleged persecution of Christians and continued violence in parts of the country.

Moore made the position known on Wednesday in a post on his official X account while reacting to comments by the US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs following the latest deadly attack in Plateau State.

The congressman said the United States should not remove Nigeria from the CPC list while attacks against Christian communities continue.

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

He also backed the US State Department’s call for the Nigerian government to fulfil its commitment to protect Christian communities and ensure that perpetrators of violence are held accountable.

The US Bureau of African Affairs had earlier condemned an attack in Plateau State in which more than 24 people were reportedly killed, while several others remained missing.

The Bureau expressed concern over the violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and urged the Federal Government to strengthen protection for vulnerable communities.

The latest statements have renewed pressure from some US lawmakers for the Trump administration to maintain scrutiny of Nigeria’s religious freedom situation amid continuing attacks in Plateau, Benue and other parts of the Middle Belt.

The Nigerian government has, however, repeatedly rejected claims that the violence is primarily driven by religious persecution, describing many of the conflicts as involving land disputes, competition over resources, criminality and communal tensions.

The US first designated Nigeria as a CPC in 2020 under the International Religious Freedom Act. The designation applies to countries considered to have engaged in or tolerated severe violations of religious freedom.

Nigeria was removed from the list in 2021 but remained under US monitoring. The Trump administration returned Nigeria to the CPC list last year, with the designation subject to annual review.

Meanwhile, the Christian Elders and Professionals Consultative Council of Nigeria, CEPCCN, expressed support for international concerns about the safety of Christian communities and Nigeria’s wider security crisis.

The council, led by National Chairman Bishop Alpha Ikpeama, condemned attacks against Christians, churches and clergy while stressing that all Nigerian lives must receive equal protection regardless of religion.

CEPCCN called for improved intelligence gathering, early-warning systems, rapid security response and prosecution of perpetrators.

The group also urged the Federal Government to engage constructively with international partners, arguing that cooperation could strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to protect citizens and combat terrorism.