United States Congressman Riley Moore has reiterated claims of a growing wave of violence against Christians in Nigeria, calling the nation "the world's most dangerous place to be a Christian." His statement, posted Monday on X (formerly Twitter), alleged that between 50,000 and 100,000 Christians have been killed since 2009, including 7,000 deaths in 2025 alone. Moore's remarks renewed global attention on religious persecution in Africa's most populous nation.

The lawmaker expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump for re-designating Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern" and for commissioning him to lead a congressional probe into the reported killings. According to Moore, the investigation aims to determine whether the violence constitutes religious genocide and to recommend policy measures for U.S. intervention.

Catholic-based news outlet Catholic Arena supported Moore's allegations, referencing the Open Doors 2025 World Watch List, which ranks Nigeria among the deadliest nations for Christians. The report noted that 3,100 Christians were murdered in the last monitoring year, representing nearly 70% of all faith-based killings worldwide. The violence, according to the group, is mainly driven by Boko Haram and ISWAP militants seeking to impose Sharia law across northern Nigeria.

The outlet cited several high-profile tragedies, including the 2022 lynching of Deborah Samuel, the killing of Fr. Isaac Achi, and the murder of seminarian Na'aman Danlami. It also highlighted the ongoing captivity of Leah Sharibu, who was reportedly abducted in 2018 after refusing to renounce Christianity.

Critics, however, accuse the Nigerian government of negligence and inaction. Catholic Arena suggested that state authorities are "either ineffective or complicit" in the violence, noting that 12 northern states enforce Sharia law, leaving Christian minorities exposed to recurring attacks.

Nigeria's government maintains that its security challenges are not faith-based, insisting that terrorism, banditry, and communal clashes affect both Muslim and Christian citizens across the country.

Source: