By Our Correspondent
National News – United States lawmaker Riley Moore has called on the Donald Trump administration to take “forceful action” over renewed violence in Plateau State, Nigeria, following reports of an attack on mourners during a mass burial in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
The statement, issued on Thursday, was a reaction to emerging videos and eyewitness reports from the Fan District in Barkin Ladi, where armed men allegedly opened fire on residents gathered to bury victims of an earlier assault.
Eyewitness accounts from journalist Masara Kim claimed that attackers emerged from surrounding hills and opened fire while villagers were conducting burial rites.
Several people were feared killed and others injured, though Nigerian police had yet to confirm official casualty figures at the time of reporting.
The incident has intensified international debate on insecurity in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, with some US conservative voices alleging religious persecution, while the Nigerian government insists violence is driven by broader criminal and communal conflicts affecting all communities.
The development adds to growing diplomatic pressure from some US lawmakers and advocacy groups urging stronger international involvement in Nigeria’s security challenges, particularly in regions affected by recurring communal violence.
While critics of the claim of a “Christian genocide” argue that the conflict is multi-layered and involves terrorism, banditry, and resource-based clashes, supporters of Moore’s position insist that urgent protection measures are needed.
The Nigerian government continues to reject allegations of religious targeting, maintaining that security operations are ongoing across affected states.
The situation highlights ongoing concerns over civilian safety, intelligence response, and cross-border political narratives shaping global perception of Nigeria’s internal security crisis.
Authorities continue to monitor developments as security agencies investigate the Plateau attack and assess wider risks in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region.
