Killings: US delegation hold talks with Benue clerics, monarchs

nited States Congressman Riley Moore with Tiv and Catholic leaders. Photo: Tiley Moore on X

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The United States delegation on fact-finding mission over alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria was in Benue State on Monday where they interacted with Catholic bishops and the Tiv traditional ruler.

US congressman, Riley Moore, disclosed this in a post on X on Monday, expressing strong support for Tiv and Christian leaders from Benue State.

“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.

The congressman, who has been vocal about attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria, added that the US would not ignore the suffering reported by local leaders.

“Our brothers and sisters in Christ will no longer suffer in silence,” he said. “The United States has heard your cries and we are working diligently toward solutions.”

In an earlier post, Moore commended the Federal Government’s openess and willingness to work with the US to tackle the raging insecurity  in Nigeria, following an engagement with  Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, on Sunday.

Moore had earlier shared on X that he concluded a “very productive visit to Nigeria,” adding, “More details to come. Happy Sunday. God is Great!”

Providing further updates on Monday, on his X, the US congressman said the discussions focused on terrorism in the North-East and killings in the Middle Belt, describing the issues as a specific concern for President Donald Trump and himself.

Moore said the US delegation and Nigerian officials examined concrete steps and actions that he believes could improve security if carried out fully.

The congressman noted, “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 northeast and stop the killing of Christians (a specific concern for @POTUS and me) – particularly in the Middle Belt of the country.”

He also referred to the rescue of 100 abducted Catholic schoolchildren, thanking the Nigerian government and President Bola Tinubu.

“I want to thank the Nigerian government and @officialABAT for rescuing the 100 innocent and precious Catholic school children.

“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 said US concerns were “positively received” and pointed to what he described as a “now established joint task force between Nigeria and the US” as an example of cooperation.

However, he added that, “It is clear that there is an openness and willingness on the part of the Nigerian government to work with the United States to tackle these critical issues.

“Now, that openness has to translate to concrete action.”

Moore added that, “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 closed his message with, “Peace be with you all. God bless the great people of Nigeria.”

On Sunday, the NSA announced that he hosted a US congressional delegation as part of ongoing security consultations between both countries.

Ribadu, in a message shared on his X handle, said the visit followed earlier talks held in Washington DC, centred on mutual security interests.

“This morning, I received a US congressional delegation on a fact-finding mission to Nigeria, following our earlier engagements in Washington, DC, on shared security priorities,” he said.

He added that the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, was also present at the meeting, a development he said “reflected the importance both nations attach to this engagement.”

According to Ribadu, discussions during the meeting focused on “counter-terrorism cooperation, regional stability,” and ways to “strengthen the strategic security partnership between Nigeria and the United States.”

“I’m optimistic this engagement will deepen trust, collaboration, and shared commitment to peace and security,” he said.

The visit comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions after Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged religious freedom violations, a move accompanied by threats of possible US military intervention.

The Federal Government has repeatedly dismissed claims of systemic Christian persecution, maintaining that insecurity affects citizens of all religious backgrounds.

On November 20, the US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth hosted the NSA at the Pentagon for discussions on coordinated strategies to address the crisis.

That same day, the US House Subcommittee on Africa opened a public hearing to examine President Trump’s recent redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern.

Lawmakers met to evaluate the potential implications of the designation.

Last Tuesday, House Republicans issued warnings about rising religious violence in Nigeria during a joint briefing called at the direction of President Trump, who on October 31 instructed Moore and the House Appropriations Committee to investigate what he described as the slaughter of Christians in the country and report its findings to the White House.

The PUNCH journalist, Gift, has over three years of experience covering elections, security and foreign affairs.

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