US Congressman Urges Trump Administration to Label Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ Over Alleged Christian Persecution

A member of the United States House of Representatives, Riley Moore, who represents West Virginia’s Second District, has formally urged President Donald Trump to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) due to what he describes as “systematic persecution and slaughter of Christians” within the country.

In a letter dated October 6, 2025, addressed to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Congressman Moore called for immediate diplomatic action, including the suspension of arms sales to Nigeria until the government shows genuine commitment to halting religiously motivated violence. Citing data from humanitarian organizations such as Open Doors, Moore claimed that over 7,000 Christians were killed in Nigeria in 2025 alone an average of 35 deaths per day.

“I urge the US government to use all available diplomatic tools to protect Christians in Nigeria, a country that has become the deadliest place in the world to be a Christian,” Moore wrote.

The controversy follows allegations by US comedian Bill Maher, who claimed that Islamist militants have targeted Christian communities in Nigeria, burning churches and attempting to wipe out the Christian population.

Meanwhile, Paul Ibe, media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, accused President Bola Tinubu of previously alluding to Christian genocide in Nigeria, referencing a 2014 social media post where Tinubu condemned the “slaughtering of Christian worshippers.” Ibe suggested that Senator Ted Cruz’s claims on Christian persecution in Nigeria may have been influenced by Tinubu’s earlier statements.

In response, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) dismissed the genocide claims as exaggerated narratives pushed by foreign actors, urging instead for unified action against terrorism affecting all Nigerians.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, also rejected Moore’s allegations, denying any government complicity or negligence in protecting Nigerians from violence.

The issue continues to provoke debate both domestically and internationally, highlighting the complexities of religious and security challenges facing Nigeria.