A United States lawmaker, Riley Moore, has urged the administration of President Donald Trump to take what he described as “forceful action” in response to the recent attacks in Plateau State, Nigeria, particularly those affecting Christian communities. Moore made the statement on Thursday while reacting to disturbing reports and circulating videos from Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, where armed attackers reportedly invaded a mass burial ceremony on Wednesday. According to eyewitness accounts, several residents were feared dead while many others sustained injuries after gunmen opened fire on mourners who had gathered to bury seven victims previously killed in the area. As of the time this report was filed, the incident had not yet been officially confirmed by Nigerian police authorities. Riley Moore Criticises Nigerian Government’s Response In his statement, Moore compared Nigeria’s rapid military intervention in neighbouring Benin Republic during an attempted coup to what he described as the government’s inability to stop recurring violence in parts of Plateau State. “When I visited Nigeria, the government responded swiftly to suppress a coup attempt in Benin,” Moore stated, referring to Nigeria’s reported deployment of troops and fighter aircraft in December 2025 to assist the Beninese government during the crisis. He argued that Nigeria’s readiness to intervene in another nation’s security challenge while violence continues within its own borders raises serious concerns. “Nigeria’s willingness to intervene and stop violent unrest in another country, while its own Christian citizens continue to suffer brutal attacks, makes the horrific scenes unfolding in Plateau State even more troubling,” Moore said. Allegations of Religious Persecution Moore further alleged that Christians attending the burial ceremony were attacked by what he referred to as “radical Islamic terrorists.” He claimed that Nigerian authorities failed to respond despite warnings about possible violence in the affected communities. “The Nigerian Government has the ability to confront terrorism and protect its citizens. Yet despite receiving warnings before the attacks, there has been little visible action while innocent people continue to lose their lives,” he added. The lawmaker also noted that he was encouraged by reports that the Trump administration had included the protection of Christians in Nigeria within its broader counterterrorism strategy. He called on the U.S. government to intensify diplomatic and security efforts aimed at protecting vulnerable communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region. Support From Religious Freedom Advocates Moore’s remarks received backing from Sean Nelson, a representative of Alliance Defending Freedom International. In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Nelson described Moore’s comments as “very forceful,” adding that stronger international pressure was necessary to address the ongoing violence and insecurity in Nigeria. According to Nelson, Nigerian officials have repeatedly failed to respond effectively to warnings about impending attacks in vulnerable communities. Eyewitness Describes Chaotic Scene During Burial The latest violence reportedly occurred in the Fan District of Barkin Ladi, where mourners gathering for a burial ceremony suddenly came under gunfire. Journalist Masara Kim, who claimed to witness the attack, said the assailants emerged from nearby hills and began shooting while villagers were preparing graves for victims of an earlier assault. “There is an ongoing large-scale attack on communities south of Jos. More than five communities are reportedly under simultaneous assault,” he explained. Kim further revealed that residents barely had time to complete the burial process before the attackers struck, forcing villagers and mourners to flee the scene for safety. Rising International Attention on Violence in Nigeria The incident has renewed international debate surrounding the security crisis in Nigeria, particularly in the Middle Belt region where communal clashes, banditry, and insurgent violence have persisted for years. Some conservative U.S. politicians and advocacy groups, including allies of Senator Ted Cruz, have increasingly described the killings of Christians in parts of Nigeria as a “genocide” carried out by extremist groups. However, the Nigerian Federal Government has consistently rejected those accusations, insisting that insecurity across the country affects both Christians and Muslims alike. Authorities maintain that the violence is largely connected to broader issues such as insurgency, criminal activity, communal disputes, and competition over resources rather than solely religious persecution. Security analysts have continued to call for stronger intelligence gathering, improved community protection, and long-term peacebuilding efforts to reduce tensions in conflict-prone areas across Nigeria. For more Nigerian security and political updates, visitLMSINT MEDIA
An atmosphere of fear swept through Ibiade community in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area following the abduction of a former member of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Maruf Musa. The incident reportedly occurred late on Tuesday night when unidentified gunmen stormed his residence. Maruf Musa, who previously represented the Ogun Waterside constituency during the sixth legislative assembly between 2007 and 2011, was said to be observing prayers at a mosque located within his residential compound when the attack took place. According to accounts from residents, the attackers arrived heavily armed and fired multiple gunshots into the air. This action was allegedly intended to scare people within the vicinity and prevent any form of resistance or intervention. Moments later, the gunmen forcefully took the former lawmaker away, leaving the community in shock and distress. The incident has heightened concerns over security in the area, especially as it occurred within a private compound and during a religious activity. Locals described the operation as swift, suggesting that the assailants may have carefully monitored the environment before striking. Confirming the development, the spokesperson of the Ogun State Police Command, Babaseyi Boluwatife, disclosed that the abduction had been officially reported. Speaking on Wednesday evening, he assured the public that the police and other security agencies have commenced coordinated efforts to rescue the victim. He stated that several security strategies have already been set in motion, including the mobilization of the anti-kidnapping unit and other tactical teams. According to him, these measures are aimed at tracking the perpetrators and ensuring the safe release of Maruf Musa. The police further urged residents of Ogun Waterside and surrounding communities to remain calm and vigilant, while avoiding the spread of unverified information. Authorities emphasized that updates would be communicated through official channels as investigations and rescue operations continue. This latest abduction adds to growing concerns over insecurity in parts of Ogun State and underscores renewed calls for stronger community policing and intelligence-driven security responses.
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Katsina State Governor and Chairman of the North-West Governors’ Forum, Dikko Umaru Radda, has expressed profound grief over the recent violent attack on worshippers at a mosque in Borno State. The governor described the incident as a heart-wrenching and inhumane act carried out against innocent individuals who had gathered solely to observe prayers. He strongly emphasized that mosques, churches, and all religious centers should never be subjected to violence, as they exist to promote peace, unity, and spiritual reflection. In an official statement released on Saturday through his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, Governor Radda confirmed that the attack led to the loss of several lives, while many others sustained varying degrees of injuries. The incident, he noted, has thrown numerous families into sorrow and left entire communities emotionally shattered. According to the governor, every life lost in such an attack represents more than a statistic—it signifies a family plunged into grief and a community left traumatized. He stressed that places of worship must continue to serve as safe havens where people seek comfort, guidance, and hope, rather than becoming scenes of fear and bloodshed. Governor Radda further stated that the Borno mosque attack underscores the pressing need to intensify the nationwide fight against terrorism and violent extremism. He warned that continued attacks on civilian targets threaten national stability and undermine efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace. He called on Nigerian security agencies to step up surveillance, enhance intelligence gathering, and intensify field operations, urging them to ensure that those responsible for the attack are identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law. The Katsina State governor also appealed to Nigerians across all regions to remain alert, united, and resilient, noting that national unity remains a powerful tool in addressing insecurity and resisting extremist violence. Reaffirming his position, Governor Radda stated that Northern governors remain committed to working closely with the Federal Government and relevant security institutions to strengthen security architecture and safeguard lives and property across the country. He extended his heartfelt condolences to Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, as well as the government and people of Borno State. He also sympathized deeply with the families of those who lost loved ones in the attack. Governor Radda concluded by offering prayers for the peaceful rest of the deceased and asked for divine healing and swift recovery for those currently receiving medical treatment.
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reassured Nigerians that the Federal Government’s ongoing restructuring and strengthening of the country’s security framework will soon deliver tangible outcomes capable of rebuilding public trust and confidence. The President gave this assurance on Friday during an official engagement with a delegation from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh. The meeting took place at Tinubu’s private residence in Lagos. This development was made public through an official statement released by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga. According to the President, his administration remains firmly dedicated to comprehensive reforms within the security sector. These reforms include long-term strategies such as the introduction of state policing and community-based security systems aimed at addressing emerging and complex security threats across different parts of the country. President Tinubu acknowledged that while the general atmosphere across the nation remains calm, vast ungoverned spaces continue to pose serious security challenges. He emphasized that these concerns are being actively confronted by the government. “The overall mood of the nation is peaceful. However, the size of our ungoverned spaces remains a serious concern. The challenge is real, but it is one we will overcome,” the President stated. He further appealed to religious leaders across the country to actively support government initiatives by encouraging cooperation, vigilance, and sustained prayers. Tinubu noted that certain security strategies require patience, time, and collective national support before yielding visible results. “We are a deeply religious people. We are prayer warriors. What we need now is your focus, vigilance, and cooperation,” he added. The President also clarified that the establishment of state and community policing structures would be fully implemented once the National Assembly concludes the necessary legislative processes required to give the initiative legal backing. Addressing public concerns about delays in military operations, Tinubu explained that the procurement of advanced military equipment often takes time due to high costs and limited global availability. These delays, he said, sometimes influence public perception of the government’s security efforts. He disclosed that Nigeria has placed orders for four attack helicopters from the United States as part of efforts to enhance the operational capacity of the armed forces. In addition, the government is also engaging Turkey to provide further military support. Despite the evolving guerrilla-style tactics employed by bandits and insurgent groups, the President reaffirmed that his administration remains determined and focused on restoring peace and stability across the country. On the issue of the recent abduction and subsequent release of schoolchildren in Niger and Kebbi States, President Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain alert and vigilant, stressing that collective awareness plays a crucial role in preventing security breaches.
