United States Congressman, Riley Moore, has voiced strong support for Tiv and Christian leaders in Benue State, following a fact-finding visit to Nigeria.
The lawmaker raised concerns over what he described as a “genocidal campaign” in the Middle Belt region and urged urgent action from both Nigerian and US authorities.
In a statement posted on his 𝕏 handle on Monday, Moore said it was an honour to meet with Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, Bishop Isaac Dugu, and His Royal Highness James Ioruza, the traditional ruler of the Tiv people, as part of his visit.
Moore said, “It was an honour and deeply moving to meet with His Excellency Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, Bishop Isaac Dugu, and His Royal Highness James Ioruza, traditional ruler of the Tiv people, to discuss the ongoing genocidal campaign by the Fulani in Benue State.
“Our brothers and sisters in Christ will no longer suffer in silence. The United States has heard your cries and we are working diligently toward solutions.”
Moore also met with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, where discussions centred on terrorism in the North-East and targeted killings in the Middle Belt.
“These issues are of specific concern to President Donald Trump and myself,” Moore said, adding that the talks identified “concrete steps” for enhancing security cooperation between the two nations.
He acknowledged what he described as a “now established joint task force between Nigeria and the US,” describing it as a sign of progress.
While commending the Nigerian government’s willingness to engage, Moore stressed the need for results.
He said, “It is clear that there is an openness and willingness on the part of the Nigerian government to work with the United States to tackle these critical issues. Now, that openness has to translate to concrete action.”
He also expressed appreciation for the recent rescue of 100 kidnapped Catholic schoolchildren in Niger State, thanking President Bola Tinubu and Nigerian authorities.
NSA Ribadu: Talks Focused On Counter-Terrorism And Regional Stability
Following the meeting, NSA Nuhu Ribadu confirmed the visit via 𝕏, noting that it was part of ongoing security consultations between Nigeria and the United States.
“This morning, I received a US Congressional delegation on a fact-finding mission to Nigeria, following our earlier engagements in Washington, DC, on shared security priorities,” Ribadu said.
He disclosed that US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, was also in attendance, signalling the significance of the bilateral discussions.
“Our talks focused on counter-terrorism cooperation, regional stability, and ways to strengthen the strategic security partnership between Nigeria and the United States,” Ribadu added.
The visit comes against the backdrop of heightened diplomatic tensions following former President Donald Trump’s redesignation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged violations of religious freedom.
The Nigerian government has repeatedly denied claims of systemic persecution of Christians, insisting that insecurity affects Nigerians of all faiths.
On November 20, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth hosted Ribadu at the Pentagon for further talks. That same day, the US House Subcommittee on Africa opened a public hearing to assess the implications of Trump’s designation.
During a joint briefing last Tuesday, House Republicans warned about the growing threat of religious violence in Nigeria. The session followed an October 31 directive from President Trump to Congressman Moore and the House Appropriations Committee to investigate the alleged slaughter of Christians and report findings to the White House.
Moore concluded his visit by expressing optimism for deeper US-Nigeria cooperation.
“There is much work still to be done, but things are moving in the right direction. I look forward to the next steps with the Nigerian government and the continued open dialogue,” he said.
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