U.S. Lawmaker Meets Displaced Christians in Benue, Vows Support for Religious Freedom in Nigeria
During a visit to Benue State, U.S. Congressman Riley Moore met with dozens of Christians displaced by brutal attacks, now living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. The trip highlighted the ongoing humanitarian and security crisis affecting communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
Moore described the stories he heard as “harrowing experiences that will stay with me for life.” He recounted: “One woman was forced to watch her husband and five children killed; she and her unborn child barely escaped. Another woman’s family was murdered before her eyes, and her baby was violently taken from her womb. A man’s family was hacked to death, leaving him permanently injured. There are over 600,000 Christians in IDP camps in Benue alone.”
He stressed that these communities should be able to live in their ancestral homeland without fear of attacks, particularly by armed Fulani herdsmen.
Reacting to Moore’s visit, the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations tweeted that “America will not look away as innocent lives are stolen. Directed by @POTUS, Appropriators led an on-the-ground mission to inform a report on Christian persecution in Nigeria and guide policy recommendations. Religious freedom and atrocity response are central to our NSRP bill.”
Earlier, Moore had also expressed concern over Nigeria’s worsening security situation, emphasizing the need for stronger efforts to combat terrorism and deadly attacks, especially in the North-East and Middle Belt regions. During his visit, he met with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to discuss the escalating violence and ongoing killings.
Moore highlighted that the security challenges are a priority for both himself and U.S. President Donald Trump. He said his delegation discussed concrete measures that, if fully implemented, could improve national security, disrupt terrorist organizations in the North-East, and prevent further attacks on Christians in the Middle Belt.
“While there has been some initial progress, much work remains. I look forward to continued engagement with the Nigerian government and open dialogue to address these challenges,” Moore added, concluding with a message of hope and solidarity: “Peace be with you all. God bless the great people of Nigeria.”
