US Congressman Riley Moore has raised fresh concerns over violent attacks on Christian communities in Benue State after meeting survivors in internally displaced persons’ camps.
In posts on X, Moore said he heard “harrowing stories” from victims who described watching family members murdered and being forced to flee their homes. He cited cases of a woman whose husband and five children were killed, another whose baby was ripped from her womb, and a man whose family was hacked to death, leaving him permanently injured.
Moore claimed more than 600,000 Christians now live in IDP camps in Benue, insisting they deserve to live in their ancestral communities “without fear of genocidal Fulani.”
He also met Tiv and Catholic leaders, including Bishops Wilfred Anagbe and Isaac Dugu, to discuss what he described as an ongoing campaign of violence in the state.
Moore said his visit to Nigeria was part of broader security consultations, including meetings with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. The discussions, he noted, addressed terrorism in the North-East, Middle Belt killings, and areas of cooperation he believes are priorities for President Donald Trump.
He praised the recent rescue of over 100 abducted Catholic schoolchildren and said Washington expects “concrete action” following the establishment of a joint Nigeria–US security task force.
Ribadu confirmed the engagements, which come amid diplomatic tensions after the Trump administration redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged religious freedom violations—an action Nigeria continues to reject.
Last week, House Republicans again raised concerns about religious violence after President Trump ordered a review of alleged Christian killings in Nigeria.
