- US Delegation Meets Benue Clerics, Tiv Ruler Over Attacks on Christians
- Moore said discussions centred on what he called “the ongoing genocidal campaign by the Fulani in Benue State”
- Laud Tinubu recent effort to rescue of one hundred abducted Catholic schoolchildren
A United States delegation investigating alleged attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria visited Benue State on Monday, meeting with Catholic bishops and the traditional ruler of the Tiv people.
Eko Hot Blog reports that US Congressman Riley Moore, who is part of the fact finding mission, disclosed the visit in a post on X, describing the engagements as both “honourable and deeply moving.” He met with Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, Bishop Isaac Dugu and the Tor Tiv, His Royal Highness James Ioruza.
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Moore said discussions centred on what he called “the ongoing genocidal campaign by the Fulani in Benue State,” adding that the concerns raised by Christian and Tiv leaders would not be ignored.
“Our brothers and sisters in Christ will no longer suffer in silence,” he wrote. “The United States has heard your cries and we are working diligently toward solutions.”
The congressman, who has repeatedly campaigned for the protection of Christian populations in Nigeria, also commended the Federal Government for what he described as transparency and cooperation during the delegation’s visit. This follows his earlier meeting with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu in Abuja on Sunday.
Moore described the trip as “very productive,” hinting at further details to be released later.
He said Monday’s engagements focused on terrorism in the North East and violent attacks in the Middle Belt, issues he noted are of particular concern to former US President Donald Trump and himself.
“There were concrete steps and actions discussed at length, that if fully executed, I believe will enhance security across the country, disrupt and destroy terrorist organisations in the North East and stop the killing of Christians, particularly in the Middle Belt,” he said.
Moore also applauded the recent rescue of one hundred abducted Catholic schoolchildren, thanking the Nigerian government and President Bola Tinubu for the operation.
“This is a positive demonstration of the government’s increasing response to the security situation and its commitment to the emergency declaration laid out by President Tinubu,” he said.
He added that US concerns were “positively received,” pointing to the creation of a joint task force between Nigeria and the United States as a sign of strengthened security cooperation.
