A U.S congressman, representing West Virginia’s 2nd District, has urged President Donald Trump to classify Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), citing what he described as a “systematic persecution and slaughter of Christians.”
In a letter addressed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Rep. Riley Moore called for immediate diplomatic action, including suspending arms sales until the Nigerian government demonstrates genuine reforms to curb religious violence.
“I write to urge you to take immediate action to address the systematic persecution and slaughter of Christians in Nigeria … Nigeria has become the deadliest place in the world to be a Christian,” Moore said.
He cited data from Open Doors and other sources, alleging that over 7,000 Christians were killed in Nigeria in 2025 alone, an average of 35 per day.
In reacting to the call, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) dismissed the claims as overblown and influenced by foreign agendas.
Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, denied assertions that Nigerian officials were complicit or negligent in the violence.
The letter, dated October 6, 2025, is the latest in global pressure on Nigeria regarding religious freedom and human rights.
