A member of the United States House of Representatives, Chris Smith, has expressed concern over recent attacks in Nigeria, particularly the killings reported in Plateau State.
Smith called on the Nigerian government to take stronger measures to protect communities and ensure that those responsible for the violence are brought to justice.
His comments followed a series of attacks in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State. Reports said several residents were killed in Jwak Maitumbi on August 16, while homes and farmland were also destroyed.
Less than two days later, another attack was reported in Bin-Per community in Kombun District of Mangu, where at least 23 people, including women and children, were reportedly killed.
Smith said the continued violence required concrete action from the Nigerian authorities.
He was quoted as urging the government to protect vulnerable communities and hold perpetrators accountable, while also referencing concerns raised by US State Department officials about violence affecting Christian communities.
The US lawmaker also criticised what he described as Nigeria’s spending on efforts to improve its image in Washington, arguing that resources should instead be directed towards addressing the country’s security challenges.
His comments come amid broader concerns over insecurity in parts of Nigeria. The US Department of State currently advises American citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria because of risks including terrorism, kidnapping, crime and unrest, with Plateau among the states listed under its highest regional warning category.
Meanwhile, Nigerian security agencies have continued to issue alerts over potential attacks. In September, the police and other security agencies heightened security nationwide following intelligence about possible attacks targeting schools, places of worship, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable locations.
Smith’s latest comments add to ongoing international attention on Nigeria’s security situation and calls for stronger protection of civilians in violence-affected communities.
