A United States congressional delegation, led by Congressman Riley Moore, has completed a fact-finding visit to Nigeria regarding alleged acts of genocide and is expected to brief President Donald Trump before the end of the month.
The five-member team arrived in Nigeria on Sunday, visiting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), survivors of terrorist attacks, Christian communities, religious leaders, and traditional rulers, particularly in Benue State. They also held meetings with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
Speaking on a Fox News program hosted by Harris Faulkner on Thursday, Moore described the accounts they heard as deeply disturbing. He recounted stories of extreme violence allegedly perpetrated by Fulani and Islamic extremists, calling it the most shocking experience of his career.
“It was truly shocking — the stories and the imagery. I have never seen anything like it,” Moore said. “I met a woman who lost her entire family. Five of her children were killed in front of her while she was pregnant. She escaped and gave birth in an IDP camp. Her spirit has been broken. Countless others have similar stories.”
He also shared the story of another woman who lost her husband, two daughters, and unborn child during an attack, suggesting that the pattern of violence indicates Christian communities were being specifically targeted.
Moore noted that the delegation travelled across Benue State in armored vehicles due to security concerns and met with Catholic and Protestant leaders, bishops, and community heads to gather what he called “ground truth.”
“This is a fact-finding mission. Benue is one of the most dangerous states in Nigeria, where Christians are reportedly being killed for their faith. But we felt it was necessary to go,” he said.
He further noted that IDP camps were not spared from attacks, questioning narratives that the violence is solely driven by climate pressures or land disputes.
“For those claiming this is about climate or economics, why would attackers burn a church? Why assault an IDP camp shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’? It is clear what is happening — Christians are being targeted in Benue and across Nigeria,” Moore added.
The Congressman confirmed that President Trump instructed him and House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole to compile a comprehensive report on the situation.
“We will brief the President and provide recommendations. He has asked us to submit our report by the end of this month,” Moore said.
President Trump had designated Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ in late October over alleged persecution of Christians, a stance the Nigerian government has rejected, insisting that the country’s security challenges are not motivated by religion.
