Mutfwang in Washington, engages US lawmakers on religious violence in Nigeria

Caleb Mutfwang, the governor of Plateau State, is currently in Washington DC for the National Prayer Breakfast where he met with vocal US congressmen raising concerns on alleged religious violence against Nigerian Christians.

Riley Moore, a US lawmaker, posted his photo with Mutfwang on X on Tuesday, saying that he is committed to working with the Nigerian government to address security and economic challenges in the country, with particular emphasis on what he described as the persecution of Christians in the Middle Belt.

“It was an honor to meet with the Governor of Plateau State in Nigeria, @CalebMutfwang, yesterday,” the US lawmaker wrote. “We had a meaningful and productive conversation about deepening the ties between our two countries.”

Moore said the discussion focused on security concerns and broader cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, noting that he remains engaged on issues affecting vulnerable communities.

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“I remain committed to working with the Nigerian government in coordination and cooperation to address these security and economic challenges, especially the persecution our Christian brothers and sisters face,” he said.

The Republican congressman, who has been one of the most vocal US lawmakers raising concerns about alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria, praised Mutfwang for his role in protecting vulnerable groups in Plateau State and the wider Middle Belt region.

“God bless you, Governor, for what you do to protect Christians and other vulnerable populations in the Middle Belt,” Moore added.

The governor and his entourage also visited the Museum of the Bible with US Congressman Huizenga, one of the vocal voices on alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

The meeting comes amid heightened scrutiny of Nigeria in Washington, following recent US congressional hearings on kidnappings, religious violence and the redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by the administration of President Donald Trump.

Plateau State, located in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, has in recent times witnessed repeated attacks linked to banditry, communal clashes and insurgency, often drawing international attention due to their humanitarian and religious dimensions.