United States Congressman Riley Moore has urged the Trump administration not to remove Nigeria from the US list of Countries of Particular Concern, CPC, citing continued attacks against Christian communities in the Middle Belt.

Moore made the call in a post on his official X account while responding to a statement by the US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs. He backed the State Department's demand that the Nigerian government strengthen the protection of Christian communities following the latest deadly attack in Plateau State. He added that the Nigerian government must fulfil its commitments to protect innocent Christian communities.

Moore was reacting to a statement by the US Bureau of African Affairs condemning the latest attack in Plateau State, where more than 24 people were reportedly killed and several others remained missing.

Residents of the affected communities said the attackers stormed the villages late at night and opened fire on people sleeping in their homes. The attack left families mourning, displaced and calling for stronger security measures.

The Bureau of African Affairs described the incident as another deadly attack in Nigeria's Middle Belt and urged the Nigerian government to protect Christian communities and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

The renewed comments from Moore and the US State Department signal growing pressure from some American lawmakers and officials over Nigeria's worsening security situation, particularly in Plateau, Benue and other parts of the Middle Belt.

— BBC