A United States lawmaker, Riley Moore, who is championing an inquiry into alleged attacks on Christians in Nigeria, has vowed to brief President Donald Trump soon, following Trump’s statement emphasising that Christians are being targeted in Nigeria.
Trump, in a video shared by the White House on its X handle, renewed his claim that “Nigeria is a country of concern” under US law, citing what he described as large-scale killings of Christians by Islamic terrorists in the West African country.
Trump said on Wednesday that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening there, and in numerous other Countries. We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian Population around the World!” and called US lawmakers to immediately take action, pointing to alarming statistics of global Christian persecution.
“When Christians or any such group are slaughtered like it’s happening in Nigeria — 3,100 versus 4,476 worldwide — what horrible numbers,” Trump said.
He also disclosed that the United States could intervene militarily if the alleged killings continue.
“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria and other countries. It’s not only in Nigeria; it’s everywhere. We are able and willing to defend Christians — the killing of Christians, it is not going to happen,” he added.
Commenting on Thursday via his X handle, Moore commended Trump for defending persecuted Christians, especially in Nigeria, saying, “Thank you, President Trump, for your incredible leadership in defending persecuted Christians, especially in Nigeria. Your bold and decisive action to protect our brothers and sisters in Christ will save thousands of lives. I am on it and will have more for you soon.”
The New Daily Prime earlier reported Beijing had earlier condemned Trump’s statement, with Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stressing that “as Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, and threatening other countries with sanctions and force.”
Responding via X, Moore dismissed China’s objection, branding the Asian nation a “Communist autocracy.”
“President Trump is absolutely right to defend our brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering horrific persecution, and even martyrdom, for their faith in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. China will not dictate our foreign policy to us, and we will not be lectured to by a Communist autocracy that recently arrested 30 Christian pastors for their faith and throws ethnic minorities in concentration camps,” Moore stated.
