US Congressman Riley Moore Meets Plateau Governor: Tackling the “Christian Persecution” Crisis

In a high-stakes meeting in Washington, D.C., U.S. Congressman Riley Moore (R-WV) hosted Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. The discussion centered on the escalating security crisis in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and the targeted violence against Christian communities.+1

Moore, a prominent voice on religious freedom in the U.S. House of Representatives, described the encounter as a “meaningful and productive” step toward deepening bilateral ties.

Security and the “Christian Genocide” Claims

The meeting comes at a time of heightened international scrutiny regarding sectarian violence in Nigeria. Representative Moore has been a vocal advocate for labeling the violence in the North-Central region as a genocide, specifically targeting Christians.

“I remain committed to working with the Nigerian government… to address these security and economic challenges, especially the persecution our Christian brothers and sisters face,” Moore posted on X following the meeting.

Key areas of the security discussion included:

• Terrorist Threats: Addressing the persistent attacks by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed militants in the region.
• Accountability: The need for the Nigerian federal government to disarm extremist groups operating in the Middle Belt.
• Protective Measures: Moore praised Governor Mutfwang for his administration’s localized efforts to safeguard vulnerable groups since taking office in 2023.

Economic and Diplomatic Cooperation

Beyond security, Governor Mutfwang is currently on a strategic trade and security mission in the United States. His agenda includes meetings with several key U.S. institutions:

1. U.S. State Department: To align on diplomatic strategies.
2. DFC & EXIM Bank: To explore investment opportunities and bilateral trade that align with President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.
3. Policy Stakeholders: To deepen sub-national international engagement for Plateau State.

Mutfwang highlighted that Plateau State is open for business but acknowledged that sustainable economic development is impossible without stable security and the protection of human rights.

The U.S. Political Context

This meeting follows a series of aggressive moves by the U.S. Congress and the Trump administration to address religious freedom in Nigeria. In late 2025, Representative Moore introduced a resolution supporting the designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC).

Moore has previously warned that “all options are on the table,” including the potential for sanctions or halting arms sales if the Nigerian government fails to show tangible progress in stopping the “martyrdom” of Christians.

What’s Next?

The US–Nigeria Joint Working Group, recently inaugurated, is expected to hold follow-up sessions to coordinate counter-terrorism efforts. Governor Mutfwang will continue his U.S. tour this week, aiming to secure both security assistance and private sector investment for the Plateau region.+1

It was an honor to meet with the Governor of Plateau State in Nigeria, @CalebMutfwang, yesterday.

We had a meaningful and productive conversation about deepening the ties between our two countries.

I remain committed to working with the Nigerian government in coordination and… pic.twitter.com/87Dh3SzSS4

— Rep. Riley M. Moore (@RepRileyMoore) February 3, 2026