US Lawmaker Fumes over Plateau Killings, Accuses Nigerian Government of Failure to Protect Citizens

U.S. Representative Chris Smith has expressed outrage over a series of killings in Plateau State, Nigeria, accusing the Nigerian government of failing to protect its citizens and bring perpetrators to justice. On August 16, at least several residents were killed in Jwak Maitumbi community, Mangu LGA of Plateau State, and approximately 45 residential shelters were destroyed along with considerable quantities of crops.

Less than two days later, suspected Fulani militia attacked Bin-Per community in Kombun district of Mangu, killing at least 23 people, including women and children.

Smith called on the Nigerian government to take immediate action to safeguard Christian communities and hold the perpetrators accountable. "Despite denials by Nigerian government actors, Christians continue to be slaughtered while Nigerian officials fail to provide adequate protection or hold the perpetrators accountable," Smith said. "Enough is enough. The Nigerian government must fulfill its most basic responsibility of protecting its citizens."

The U.S. State Department's recent public message emphasized the need for concrete action to address the security crisis, as violent attacks continue to devastate vulnerable communities. Smith, alongside Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Frank Garcia, urged the Nigerian government to meet its commitments to protect Christian communities and hold perpetrators accountable.

They urged the government to redirect resources towards security instead of spending millions of dollars—specifically $9 million—to improve its image in Washington. The U.S. House of Representatives introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act earlier this year, which would require the Secretary of State to compile and submit to Congress a report on U.S. efforts to address religious persecution and mass atrocities in Nigeria.