United States Congressman Chris Smith has criticised the Nigerian government over recent deadly attacks in Plateau State, accusing authorities of failing to adequately protect citizens and hold those responsible for the violence accountable.
Several residents, reportedly believed to be Fulani, were killed on August 16 in Jwak Maitumbi community, Mangu Local Government Area. The attack also resulted in the destruction of about 45 residential shelters and large quantities of crops.
Less than 48 hours later, suspected Fulani militia reportedly attacked Bin-Per community in Kombun district of Mangu, killing at least 23 people, including women and children, in what appeared to be a reprisal attack.
The Nigerian military later said troops of Operation Enduring Peace foiled an attempted attack on Manja community after receiving intelligence about armed herders allegedly moving with cattle, destroying farmlands and preparing to attack the community.
In a statement on Friday, Smith called on the Nigerian government to take immediate steps to protect Christian communities and ensure that perpetrators of violence are brought to justice.
“Enough is enough,” Smith said, stressing that the Nigerian government must fulfil its basic responsibility of protecting its citizens.
Smith also criticised what he described as Nigeria's spending of $9 million on efforts to improve its image in Washington, arguing that such resources should instead be directed towards strengthening security and protecting vulnerable communities.
The congressman spoke alongside Frank Garcia, the US assistant secretary of state for African affairs, who urged the Nigerian government to fulfil its commitments to protect Christian communities and hold perpetrators of violence accountable.
Earlier this year, Smith introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act, which would require the US secretary of state to prepare and submit to Congress a comprehensive report on US efforts to address alleged religious persecution and mass atrocities in Nigeria.
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