Washington D.C., USA — October 6, 2025
US lawmaker Reiley Moore has reiterated his call for former President Donald Trump to officially designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) following reports of a pastor’s killing and the abduction of more than 20 worshippers during a Sunday church service in Kaduna State, Nigeria.
Moore, who has been vocal about religious freedom and human rights abuses in Africa, said the latest incident reflects a “pattern of escalating persecution” against Christian communities in the region.
“It’s time to stop turning a blind eye to what’s happening in Nigeria. Innocent men, women, and children are being slaughtered for their faith,”
he said in a press statement released Monday morning.
“The United States must hold the Nigerian government accountable and protect freedom of worship wherever it is under threat.”
The Kaduna Church Attack
According to local reports, armed bandits invaded a church in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State during an early morning worship service. Witnesses said the attackers shot the presiding pastor, killing him instantly, and kidnapped over 20 members of the congregation, including women and children.
The Kaduna State Police Command confirmed the attack, saying that tactical teams had been deployed to track down the suspects and rescue the hostages. However, rescue operations have so far been slow due to difficult terrain and the attackers’ familiarity with the area.
Background to the “Country of Particular Concern” Designation
The “Country of Particular Concern” label is a formal US government classification under the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA). It identifies nations that engage in or tolerate “systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom.”
Nigeria was previously listed as a CPC during Trump’s administration but was later removed from the list in 2021 under President Joe Biden — a decision that drew sharp criticism from religious organizations and advocacy groups.
Moore and several other Republican lawmakers argue that reinstating Nigeria to the CPC list would send a strong diplomatic message and potentially trigger sanctions or restrictions until the Nigerian government demonstrates measurable progress in protecting religious minorities.
Growing International Pressure
The renewed appeal by Moore adds to increasing global concern about insecurity in northern Nigeria, where incidents of banditry, terrorism, and religiously motivated killings have become more frequent.
In recent years, human rights organizations — including Amnesty International and Open Doors USA — have ranked Nigeria among the most dangerous places in the world to be a Christian.
Observers note that the US could leverage diplomatic tools such as aid conditions, targeted sanctions, or international monitoring to pressure Nigerian authorities to improve security and protect citizens’ rights.
What Happens Next
Moore’s call places additional focus on the upcoming US-Africa policy review being considered by key figures within Trump’s political circle. Should Trump publicly endorse the move, it could reframe Washington’s approach to Nigeria and potentially revive CPC-related sanctions that were previously lifted.
Meanwhile, families of the Kaduna church victims continue to wait anxiously for updates from authorities, as prayers and solidarity pour in from across Nigeria and the international Christian community.
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