A United States delegation on a fact-finding mission over alleged genocide against Christians in Nigeria visited Benue State on Monday and held discussions with Catholic bishops and the Tiv traditional ruler.
US Congressman Riley Moore disclosed the visit in a post on X, stating that the delegation met with Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, Bishop Isaac Dugu, and the Tiv traditional ruler, His Royal Highness James Ioruza.
“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,” Moore wrote.
Moore, who has been outspoken about attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria, said the United States would not ignore the suffering reported by local leaders.
“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,” he said.
The US congressman also commended the Federal Government’s openness to collaborating with the US on Nigeria’s security challenges, following a meeting with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, on Sunday.
In an earlier post, he described his trip as a “very productive visit to Nigeria,” adding that more details would be shared subsequently.
Providing further updates on Monday, Moore said his discussions with Nigerian officials focused on terrorism in the North-East and persistent killings in the Middle Belt — issues he described as a priority for President Donald Trump and himself.
According to him, both sides examined “concrete steps and actions” that could significantly improve security if fully implemented.
“There were concrete steps and actions discussed at length that, if fully executed, I believe will enhance security across the country for all Nigerians, disrupt and destroy terrorist organisations in the North-East, and stop the killing of Christians — a specific concern for @POTUS and me — particularly in the Middle Belt,” he stated.
Moore also thanked the Nigerian government and President Bola Tinubu for the rescue of 100 abducted Catholic schoolchildren, describing it as a positive sign of the government’s increasing response to insecurity.
“This is a positive demonstration of the government’s increasing response to the security situation and shows commitment to the emergency declaration laid out by President Tinubu,” he wrote.
The congressman added that US concerns were “positively received,” citing the establishment of a joint Nigeria–US task force as evidence of deepening cooperation.
However, he stressed that the government’s openness “has to translate to concrete action.”
“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.
Moore ended his message with, “Peace be with you all. God bless the great people of Nigeria.”