A US lawmaker has condemned the recent deadly attacks in Plateau State, calling on the Nigerian government to take urgent measures to protect Christian communities.

Representative Chris Smith described the incidents as part of a “deeply disturbing pattern,” highlighting that the violence occurred during Palm Sunday, a key period leading up to Easter.

On March 29, gunmen attacked a community bar in Jos, killing approximately 28 people. In a separate incident, more than 50 individuals were reportedly killed when assailants invaded Kimakpa village in Bassa Local Government Area.

Smith urged Nigerian authorities to deploy sufficient security forces, ensure accountability for the perpetrators, and uphold their constitutional responsibility to protect all citizens, irrespective of religion.

“The repeated targeting of communities during significant religious periods undermines peaceful coexistence and deepens human suffering,” Smith said. “The fact that such atrocities are repeated year after year on the same holy day underscores the urgent need for decisive action. As Christians in Nigeria observe Holy Week and approach Easter Sunday, the government must take immediate and concrete steps to ensure the safety of all Christian communities.”

He further emphasized that the Nigerian government has a fundamental constitutional duty to protect its citizens, noting that failure to prevent these attacks not only exacerbates human suffering but also threatens religious coexistence in the region.

“These brutal killings, targeting Christians at one of the most sacred times of the year, are heartbreaking and wholly unacceptable,” Smith added.

In response, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja, describing the violence as terrorism and noting that the identities of the perpetrators remain unknown.

The attacks have intensified concerns over security in Plateau State, a region that has experienced recurring communal violence, particularly during significant religious observances.