A US Congressman, Riley Moore, has sounded the alarm over the dire situation of Christians in Benue State, where over 600,000 are currently living in internally displaced persons’ (IDP) camps.
Moore’s visit to the state revealed harrowing stories of violence and displacement, with survivors recounting horrific experiences.
During his visit, Moore met with dozens of Christians who had fled their homes due to violent attacks, sharing stories that left him shaken.
“They told harrowing stories that will remain with me for the rest of my life,” Moore said in an X post on Wednesday.
One woman recounted how she was forced to watch as her husband and five children were killed, escaping with her unborn child.
Moore condemned the violence as “genocidal” and called for international attention to the crisis.
“There are more than 600,000 Christians in IDP camps in Benue State alone. These Christians should be able to live in their ancestral homeland without fear of genocidal Fulani,” he stated.
Moore also met with Tiv and Catholic leaders, including Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and Bishop Isaac Dugu, to discuss the ongoing violence.
The congressman emphasized that the situation demands concrete action, praising recent security operations, including the rescue of over 100 abducted Catholic schoolchildren.
“Openness has to translate to concrete action,” Moore said, adding that the US would not ignore the experiences shared by displaced communities.
Moore’s visit followed President Donald Trump’s redesignation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious freedom violations.
The Nigerian government has rejected claims of systemic persecution of Christians, saying insecurity affects all faiths and ethnic groups.
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