US Congressman Storms Benue Over Christian Killings, Meets Catholic Bishops and Tiv Paramount Rule

A United States congressional delegation on a fact-finding mission to investigate alleged genocide against Christians in Nigeria arrived in Benue State on Monday, where it held crucial meetings with key religious and traditional leaders.

The visit was confirmed by US Congressman Riley Moore, who announced on X that the team met with Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, Bishop Isaac Dugu, and the Tiv paramount ruler, His Royal Highness James Ioruza. Moore described the engagements as deeply emotional and significant.

“It was an honour 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, known for his advocacy for persecuted Christian communities, affirmed that the United States would not overlook the concerns raised by local leaders. According to him, the delegation aims to push for meaningful action to protect vulnerable communities.

He also commended the Nigerian government’s willingness to cooperate with the US on security reforms, referencing his meeting with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu on Sunday. Moore disclosed that their broader discussions touched on terrorism in the North-East and continued killings in the Middle Belt — matters he said remain priorities for President Donald Trump.

Moore highlighted that both countries discussed actionable strategies capable of significantly improving national security if fully implemented. He also praised the recent rescue of 100 abducted Catholic schoolchildren as a positive signal of the government’s intensified security response.

He added that the establishment of a joint Nigeria–US task force reflects the growing synergy between both nations, while stressing that commitments must translate into real action. Moore closed his message by extending blessings to Nigerians and expressing optimism about continued engagement.