Chris Smith, a member of the United States house of representatives, has condemned the recent attack in Jos, Plateau state.
On March 29, gunmen killed about 28 people at a popular community bar in the state.
Over 50 people were reportedly killed after gunmen invaded Kimakpa village, in Miango district of Bassa LGA, on Palm Sunday of 2025.
US lawmakers, including Smith, say the protracted killings in Nigeria systematically targets Christians — but the Nigerian government has repeatedly rejected the narrative.
“The fact that such atrocities are repeated year after year — on the same holy day — underscores the urgent need for decisive action,” Smith said.
“As Christians in Nigeria observe Holy Week and approach Easter Sunday, a time of profound spiritual reflection and celebration, I urge the Government of Nigeria to take immediate and concrete steps to ensure the safety and security of all Christian communities in the country. This includes deploying adequate security forces and holding perpetrators to account.
“The Nigerian government has a fundamental responsibility — and constitutional duty — to protect all its citizens, regardless of their faith.
“The continued failure to prevent and intercept these targeted attacks not only deepens human suffering, but also threatens the fabric of religious coexistence in the region.
“The need for the government to step up and protect the lives and religious liberty of Nigerians cannot be overstated.
“These savage killings, targeting Christians as they gathered during one of the most sacred times of the year, are incredibly heartbreaking and absolutely unacceptable.”
The lawmaker said the US must continue to stand in solidarity with “persecuted Christians” and all other victims of religious violence in Nigeria.
He urged Nigerian authorities to act swiftly to prevent further bloodshed.
On Wednesday, Caleb Mutfwang, governor of Plateau, visited President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja to discuss the latest attacks.
Describing the violence in the state as “an act of terrorism”, the governor said the motive and identities of the perpetrators remain unknown.
