Plateau Killings: ‘Enough Is Enough’ — US Lawmaker Demands Action From Nigerian Govt

A member of the United States House of Representatives, Chris Smith, has condemned the recent killings in Plateau State, accusing the Nigerian government of failing to adequately protect its citizens and hold perpetrators accountable.

Several residents believed to be Fulani were reportedly killed on August 16 in Jwak Maitumbi community, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, while about 45 residential shelters and large quantities of crops were destroyed.

Less than 48 hours later, suspected Fulani militia reportedly attacked Bin-Per community in Kombun district of Mangu, killing at least 23 people, including women and children, in what appeared to be a reprisal attack.

On Thursday, troops of Operation Enduring Peace reportedly foiled an attempted attack on Manja community in the same local government area after receiving intelligence about armed herders moving with cattle, allegedly destroying farmlands and attempting to attack the community.

Reacting in a statement on Friday, Smith called on the Nigerian government to take immediate action to protect vulnerable communities and ensure that perpetrators of violence are brought to justice.

“Despite denials by Nigerian government actors, Christians continue to be slaughtered while Nigerian officials fail to provide adequate protection or hold the perpetrators accountable,” Smith said.

“Enough is enough. The Nigerian government must fulfill its most basic responsibility of protecting its citizens.”

Smith said the recent attacks demonstrated the need for concrete action rather than assurances from the government.

He also referenced comments by Frank Garcia, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, who urged the Nigerian government to meet its commitments to protect Christian communities and hold perpetrators of violence accountable.

“The U.S. State Department’s recent public message underscores the urgent need for concrete action, not more assurances, as deadly violence continues to devastate vulnerable communities,” Smith said.

The US lawmaker also criticised Nigeria’s reported spending on efforts to improve its image in Washington.

“Instead of spending millions of dollars, $9 million, to be exact, in an attempt to improve its image in Washington, the Nigerian government should redirect those resources towards protecting its people and addressing this grave security crisis,” he added.

Earlier this year, Smith introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act, which would require the US Secretary of State to submit a comprehensive report to Congress on US efforts to address what the legislation describes as religious persecution and mass atrocities in Nigeria.