US Congressman Riley Moore has expressed strong support for Tiv and Christian leaders from Benue State following a meeting in Nigeria.
In a statement on his X handle on Monday evening, Moore said the discussions centered on what he described as an ongoing genocidal campaign in the region.
“It was an honor 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.
Moore, who has been vocal about attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria, added that the US would not ignore the suffering reported by local leaders.
He said, “Our brothers and sisters in Christ will no longer suffer in silence.
“The United States has heard your cries, and we are working diligently toward solutions.”
The congressman had shared on Sunday on X that he concluded a “very productive visit to Nigeria,” adding, “More details to come. Happy Sunday. God is Great!”
On Monday afternoon, the US congressman provided additional updates on X, stating that discussions during a meeting with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and other Nigerian officials focused on terrorism in the Northeast and killings in the Middle Belt, describing the issues as a particular concern for President Donald Trump and himself.
Moore stated that the US delegation and Nigerian authorities discussed real procedures and activities that he believes might improve security if implemented fully.
He also mentioned the recovery of 100 abducted Catholic pupils, thanking the Nigerian government and President Bola Tinubu.
The congressman stated that 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 stated 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 also added, “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.”
The NSA announced on Sunday that it hosted the US congressional delegation as part of ongoing security consultations between the two countries.
Ribadu, in a message posted on his X account, stated that the visit followed earlier meetings in Washington, DC, which focused 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 also mentioned that the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, attended the meeting, which he claimed “reflected the importance both nations attach to this engagement.”
According to Ribadu, discussions at the meeting centered on “counter-terrorism cooperation, regional stability,” and strategies 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 rising diplomatic tensions after Trump declared Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern for alleged religious freedom violations, coupled with threats of US military intervention.
The federal government has often denied allegations of systematic Christian persecution, claiming that instability affects people of all faiths.
On November 20, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth hosted the NSA at the Pentagon to discuss integrated crisis response measures.
The same day, the US House Subcommittee on Africa held a public hearing to discuss President Trump’s recent designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern.
Lawmakers convened to discuss the potential consequences of the designation.
Last Tuesday, House Republicans issued warnings about rising religious violence in Nigeria during a joint briefing convened by Trump, who on October 31 directed Moore and the House Appropriations Committee to investigate what he described as the slaughter of Christians in the country and report back to the White House.
