A United States Congressman, Mr Riley Moore, has said the White House is considering measures aimed at protecting Christians in Nigeria against attacks by extremist groups.
In a statement posted on his social media handle, Congressman Moore said he would soon brief President Donald Trump on findings from a recent fact-finding mission to Nigeria.
According to him, the briefing would help the U.S. government explore options to address concerns over the safety of Christians in the country.
The lawmaker spoke in reaction to testimony presented to U.S. lawmakers by Bishop Robert Barron, who raised concerns over alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
Moore said the United States was treating the matter with seriousness and would also present a report on Nigeria to President Trump through the House Appropriations Committee.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Presidency has rejected claims that the country’s security challenges are driven by religious motives.
Speaking during an engagement with the Methodist Archbishop of Anambra, Dr Vincent Onoh, a Senior Special Assistant to the President, Mr Abba Hashim, said insecurity in Nigeria affects people of all faiths and should not be portrayed as a religious or genocidal conflict.
He warned that such narratives could deepen divisions and undermine national unity, stressing the need for togetherness among Nigerians regardless of religion.
The Presidency maintained that terrorism and violent crimes in the country are complex issues that cut across religious and ethnic lines, and called for collective efforts to promote peace and stability.
