US Congressman visits Benue IDP camps, seeks global action on violence

United States Congressman Riley Moore (R-WV) has called for international attention to the humanitarian crisis in Benue State after visiting camps for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and hearing accounts of violence against Christian communities.
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The Congressman, who was in Nigeria for security consultations, shared his observations on social media, stating the devastating impact of the long-running conflict between farming communities and armed groups in the region.
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Congressman Moore stated that during his visit to Benue, he met dozens of Christians who were driven from their homes by armed bandits.
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He narrated an account from survivors, notably a woman who was allegedly forced to watch the killing of her husband and five children. Also, another woman whose family was reportedly murdered in front of her and whose baby was ripped from her womb. He also gave an account of a man who witnessed his family being hacked to death and whose arm was permanently mangled.
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Moore estimated that more than 600,000 Christians are currently living in IDP camps in Benue State. Other sources suggest the number of IDPs in Benue State is over 615,000 as of mid-2025.
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The Congressman stated that these Christians should be able to live in their ancestral homeland without fear of genocidal Fulani, urging the global community to intervene.
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Moore’s visit followed the recent redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by the Trump administration over alleged religious freedom violations. Moore met with the traditional ruler of the Tiv people, His Royal Highness James Ioruza, and Catholic leaders, Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and Bishop Isaac Dugu, to discuss the crisis.
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Moore praised the Nigerian government and President Bola Tinubu for the rescue of over 100 abducted Catholic schoolchildren.
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The Congressman also held a productive visit with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and other senior Nigerian officials in Abuja. The discussions focused on counter-terrorism cooperation, regional stability, and the killings in the Middle Belt. NSA Ribadu confirmed the consultation, stating it aimed to strengthen the strategic security partnership between the two nations.
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