U.S. Representative Riley Moore has asserted that Fulani militants are responsible for the vast majority of violence directed at Christian populations in Nigeria. During a statement shared on X this Wednesday, the congressman urged the United States to take fresh action to curb the ongoing lethal attacks within the nation’s Middle Belt region.
Moore noted that his ongoing investigation into the situation points directly to these militants as the leading force behind the killings. While he commended the Trump administration for its effective efforts in weakening Boko Haram and ISWAP—insurgent groups that have been active in Nigeria for over 15 years—he emphasized that the threat from Fulani groups remains a critical issue. He argues that addressing this violence is essential for the safety of Christians who wish to live and worship without fear of persecution.
The Middle Belt has long been a site of conflict between local farmers and herders. Various human rights advocates and Christian organizations characterize these events as targeted violence against Christian communities. Meanwhile, the Nigerian federal government maintains that the region’s instability stems from banditry, criminal activity, and resource disputes rather than religious persecution, while also rejecting accusations of genocide.
