United States Congressman Riley Moore has raised alarm over the worsening humanitarian situation in Benue State after visiting camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs).
In a series of posts on X on Wednesday, Moore said he met “dozens of Christians” who had been forced from their homes by violent attacks, leaving many communities devastated.
According to him, survivors recounted traumatic experiences, including the killing of entire families and the destruction of villages.
“These harrowing stories will remain with me for the rest of my life,” he wrote.
Moore cited the testimony of a woman who said she witnessed the killing of her husband and five children before escaping with her unborn child.
Another woman described how her family was murdered and her baby ripped from her womb.
He also referenced a man who said his family was hacked to death before his arm was permanently damaged.
The congressman estimated that more than 600,000 Christians are currently living in IDP camps across Benue, which has endured years of conflict between farming communities and armed groups.
“These Christians should be able to live in their ancestral homeland without fear,” he said, urging increased international attention to the crisis.
During the visit, Moore met with Tiv and Catholic leaders, including Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, Bishop Isaac Dugu, and traditional ruler James Ioruza. He described their discussions—focused on what he called “a genocidal campaign”—as deeply moving.
Moore also held meetings with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and other senior officials. Their talks centred on terrorism in the North-East and violence in the Middle Belt, which Moore described as core priorities for President Donald Trump and himself.
He applauded recent efforts by Nigerian authorities, including the rescue of over 100 abducted Catholic schoolchildren, and pointed to a newly established Nigeria–US joint task force as a sign of progress.
However, he stressed that “openness must translate into concrete action,” noting that “there is still much work to be done.”
The NSA confirmed the meetings, saying they followed earlier engagements in Washington and focused on counter-terrorism, regional stability, and strengthening bilateral security cooperation.
Moore’s visit came amid diplomatic tensions following the Trump administration’s redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged religious freedom violations, alongside warnings of possible US military action.
The Federal Government has repeatedly denied accusations of systemic persecution, insisting that insecurity affects all citizens regardless of faith.
The same day as Moore’s meetings, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth hosted Ribadu at the Pentagon for further discussions on Nigeria’s security challenges.
Meanwhile, House Republicans have continued raising concerns about religious violence in Nigeria, following President Trump’s directive for a formal investigation.
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