A United States lawmaker, Anna Paulina Luna, has raised fresh concerns over alleged attacks and killings targeting Christian communities in Plateau State, accusing armed groups of repeatedly attacking civilians while Nigerian security forces struggle to contain the violence.
Luna made the allegations in a statement posted on her verified X account on Friday under the title, “What Is Happening in Nigeria Right Now?” She claimed that hundreds of armed Fulani militia members had descended on Christian communities across Plateau State, leaving thousands of civilians at serious risk.
“Hundreds of Fulani ethnic militia terrorists descended on Christian communities across Plateau State,” Luna wrote, alleging that thousands of civilians were facing a mortal threat while the Nigerian Army and other security forces struggled to hold the line.
The US representative also cited several alleged attacks which she said occurred in the period leading up to the latest violence.
According to Luna, a pastor and his church secretary were shot dead while travelling to church, while five Christians were allegedly ambushed in their vehicle.
She further claimed that a civilian guard was killed outside his home and that a man and his son were beaten and left in critical condition.
The lawmaker questioned why warnings and security alerts allegedly issued before the attacks were not acted upon, suggesting that authorities had been alerted to the danger ahead of the violence.
Luna's intervention comes amid renewed international attention on insecurity in Nigeria, particularly attacks and abductions affecting rural communities. She has also called for action over reported violence in Nigeria in recent days.
However, the allegations concerning the identity and activities of the attackers, as well as the circumstances surrounding individual incidents cited by Luna, require verification from Nigerian security authorities and other independent sources.
The latest development adds to growing concerns over persistent violence in parts of Plateau State and renewed scrutiny of the Nigerian government's response to attacks on vulnerable communities.
