United States Congressman, Riley Moore, has called on the Federal Government to urgently confront armed groups in the Middle Belt following the kidnapping of more than 300 children and 12 teachers from St Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State on Friday.

In a statement posted on his X handle on Saturday, Moore expressed outrage over the reported attack, writing, “As a father, seeing these attacks makes my stomach turn.”

He urged authorities to intensify efforts against those he accused of carrying out the violence, saying the government “must disarm the radical Muslim Fulani militants terrorising the Middle Belt.”

The congressman further alleged that violence targeting Christians in the country is worsening.

“The persecution of Christians in Nigeria is escalating out of control. I believe it is now a genocide,” he wrote.

He called for closer cooperation between Abuja and Washington to curb insecurity, saying, “It is up to the Nigerian government to work with the United States to stop the killings and kidnappings of our brothers and sisters in Christ.”

Moore warned that continued attacks could prompt action from the US administration.

“This human tragedy has to end, or else, @POTUS has made it clear that he will take action to stop this tragedy,” he added.

His comments come amid a wave of kidnappings and violent attacks across northern Nigeria.

On Monday, gunmen stormed Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, kidnapping at least 24 students.

On Wednesday in Washington, DC, Moore met with a Nigerian delegation led by National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.

He said their discussion focused on counterterrorism strategies and protecting vulnerable communities, describing the engagement as frank, honest, and productive.

The Nigerian delegation included several top government and security officials: Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Ojukwu; Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun; Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede; and Chief of Defence Intelligence Lt.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiendeye, among others.

The meeting came shortly after US President Donald Trump stated that Christianity faces “an existential threat” in Nigeria, warning that if the Nigerian government fails to curb the killings, the US response would be fast, vicious, and sweet.

Meanwhile, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Friday that the Nigerian delegation in the US is working to correct what he described as misleading narratives about the country’s security situation, particularly allegations of religious persecution. (The PUNCH)