JOS/KADUNA – United States Congressman Riley Moore has issued a stern warning to the Nigerian government, stating that continued attacks on Christian communities could severely strain diplomatic relations between the two nations. The warning follows a bloody Palm Sunday weekend where coordinated attacks by suspected terrorists left at least 40 people dead across Plateau and Kaduna States.

Escalating Violence on Religious Holy Days

Congressman Moore, a member of a U.S. fact-finding delegation investigating targeted violence in Nigeria, condemned the "sickening" pattern of attacks coinciding with Christian holy days. Reports indicate that radicalized militants opened fire on worshippers and residents in Jos, Plateau State, and Kahir village, Kaduna State.

"Abuja knows this pattern and they must massively ramp up security for the Triduum and Easter," Moore stated via X (formerly Twitter). "If they don’t mobilize to defend our brothers and sisters in Christ, the blood of these martyrs will be on their hands, and there will be significant consequences for Nigeria’s relationship with the United States."

Conflicting Death Tolls in Plateau State

In Plateau State, gunmen stormed the Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North at approximately 7:30 PM on Sunday. While community leaders, including Berom Youth Moulders Association President Dalyop Mwantiri, reported 27 fatalities, the Plateau State Police Command officially confirmed 14 deaths.

In response to the volatility:

• Curfew Imposed: Governor Caleb Mutfwang has declared a 48-hour curfew in Jos North to restore order.

• Academic Disruption: The University of Jos (UNIJOS) has suspended and rescheduled all examinations slated for Monday and Tuesday due to the security threat.

• Religious Condemnation: The Plateau chapter of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) denounced the attack as "barbaric and senseless," calling it a major setback to peace-building efforts.

Wedding Massacre in Kaduna

Simultaneously, in Kaduna State, terrorists targeted a wedding ceremony in Kahir village, Kagarko Local Government Area. Eyewitnesses report that gunmen armed with AK-47s opened fire inside a hall, killing 13 guests and abducting an unspecified number of others. The attackers reportedly looted local shops for food and medical supplies before retreating into the bush.

Calls for Self-Defence and Policy Shifts

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has reacted to the persistent insecurity by urging the Federal Government to liberalize access to basic self-defence weapons. MBF spokesman Luka Binniyat accused security agencies of "intimidation," alleging that local populations are often disarmed by authorities even as they face constant threats from bandits.

Government and Regional Response

Despite the international and local outcry, the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) reaffirmed their support for President Bola Tinubu’s security strategy. Meeting in Abuja, the governors expressed confidence in the Federal Government’s approach and pledged a unified front to neutralize evolving threats.

As the Easter weekend approaches, the eyes of the international community remain on Abuja to see if security measures will be sufficiently bolstered to prevent further tragedy.