A United States congressional delegation led by Congressman Riley Moore has concluded a fact-finding mission in Nigeria focused on alleged targeted killings, especially in Benue State. Moore said the team will update President Donald Trump before the end of the month after reviewing accounts from victims, community leaders and security officials.
Delegation Hears Disturbing Testimonies in Benue
The five-member delegation arrived on Sunday and met survivors of violent attacks, Internally Displaced Persons and Christian communities.
Speaking on Fox News, Moore described the testimonies as the most distressing moments of his public career. Moreover, he said many victims shared stories that pointed to deliberate targeting of Christian populations.
He recalled meeting a woman who watched five of her children killed while she was pregnant. She fled and delivered her baby in an IDP camp. Moore said another woman lost her husband, two daughters and unborn child in a separate attack.
US Team Meets Ribadu, Fagbemi in Abuja
The delegation also held meetings with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN). Moore noted that they travelled across Benue in armoured vehicles because of security risks.
He said the team discussed concerns with Catholic and Protestant leaders, bishops and traditional rulers to gather what he called “ground truth.”
Moore dismissed arguments that the violence stemmed from climate pressures or land disputes. “Why burn churches? Why attack IDP camps shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’?” he asked, insisting the attacks showed clear patterns.
Trump Awaits Full Report on Nigeria Killings
Moore confirmed that President Trump instructed him and House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole to produce a full report on the situation. He said the delegation will deliver its recommendations before the end of the month.
Trump had earlier designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged Christian genocide. The Federal Government rejected that classification, noting that Nigeria’s security crisis does not have a religious basis.
