A United States congressional delegation, led by Congressman Riley Moore, has concluded a fact-finding mission to Nigeria to investigate reports of killings and is set to brief US President Donald Trump later this month.
The five-member team arrived in Nigeria on Sunday and spent several days in Benue State, engaging with internally displaced persons, IDPs, survivors of attacks, Christian leaders, traditional rulers, and communities affected by violence.
The delegation also held discussions in Abuja with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.
Speaking on Fox News’ Harris Faulkner Reports on Thursday, Moore described the visit as the most harrowing experience of his public service career, detailing deeply disturbing encounters with victims.
“It was truly shocking, the stories we heard, the images we witnessed. I have never seen anything like it.
“I met a woman who lost her entire family; five of her children were killed before her eyes while she was pregnant. She survived and gave birth in an IDP camp. Her spirit is visibly broken. There are countless stories like hers,” Moore said.
Moore recounted another encounter with a woman who lost her husband, two daughters, and unborn child in a violent attack, noting that the pattern of violence strongly suggested Christian communities were being specifically targeted.
Due to ongoing security threats, the delegation moved around Benue State in armored vehicles while meeting with Catholic and Protestant leaders, bishops, and community heads to gather accurate information.
“This mission was about uncovering the ground truth. Benue is one of the most dangerous states in Nigeria. Many Christians there appear to be under attack because of their faith, and we felt it was imperative to witness the situation firsthand,” he said.
Moore questioned narratives attributing the violence to land disputes or climate-related conflicts, citing attacks on churches and IDP camps as evidence of targeted religious persecution.
“For those who claim this is about climate or economics, ask yourself: why burn down churches? Why attack IDP camps while shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’? The evidence points clearly to attempts to eradicate Christian communities in Benue and other regions of Nigeria,” he said.
Moore confirmed that he and House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole were directed by former President Trump to prepare a detailed report of their findings, which will include recommendations.
“We will submit our report to the President by the end of this month,” Moore stated.
The visit comes after Trump designated Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ in late October over alleged Christian persecution, a designation the Nigerian government has rejected, maintaining that the country’s security challenges are not religiously motivated.
