By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
A United States congressional delegation on a fact-finding mission over allegations of Christian genocide in Nigeria visited Benue State on Monday, where they held discussions with Catholic bishops and the Tiv paramount ruler.
Congressman Riley Moore, who led the delegation, disclosed the visit in a post on X, expressing solidarity with religious and traditional leaders in the state.
“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 vocal criticism of attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria, added that the United States would not overlook the experiences shared by local leaders. “Our brothers and sisters in Christ will no longer suffer in silence,” he said. “The United States has heard your cries and we are working diligently toward solutions.”
He had earlier held talks in Abuja with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, praising what he described as the Federal Government’s openness and readiness to collaborate with the US on tackling worsening insecurity.
In a previous update, Moore said he had concluded a “very productive visit to Nigeria,” hinting at further details, which he began releasing on Monday. He noted that terrorism in the North-East and the killings in the Middle Belt were “a specific concern for President Donald Trump and me”.
Moore explained that US officials and their Nigerian counterparts examined several measures which, if carried out fully, could significantly improve security across the country. “There were concrete steps and actions discussed at length, that if fully executed, I believe will enhance security across the country for all Nigerians, disrupt and destroy terrorist organisations in the northeast and stop the killing of Christians – particularly in the Middle Belt,” he said.
He also referenced the recent rescue of 100 abducted Catholic schoolchildren, thanking the Federal Government and President Bola Tinubu for what he described as a positive signal of improved responsiveness.
“This is a positive demonstration of the government’s increasing response to the security situation and shows commitment to the emergency declaration laid out by President Tinubu,” Moore wrote.
The congressman said US concerns were “positively received” and pointed to what he called a “now established joint task force between Nigeria and the US” as proof of growing cooperation. While acknowledging progress, he added that Nigeria’s willingness must translate into sustained action. “There is much work still to be done, but things are moving in the right direction,” he said.
On Sunday, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu confirmed that he hosted the US delegation as part of ongoing security consultations between both nations. Ribadu, in a statement shared on X, said the meeting followed earlier discussions in Washington DC that focused on shared security priorities.
He said US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, also attended the meeting, underscoring its importance. Issues raised during the discussions included counter-terrorism cooperation, regional stability and strengthening strategic defence ties.
“I’m optimistic this engagement will deepen trust, collaboration and shared commitment to peace and security,” Ribadu said.
The visit comes amid heightened diplomatic friction after President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged religious freedom violations, a move accompanied by warnings of potential US military involvement.
The Federal Government has consistently denied claims that Christians are being systematically targeted, insisting that insecurity affects Nigerians of all faiths.
Last week, the US House Subcommittee on Africa held a public hearing to examine the implications of Trump’s designation. This followed a directive issued on 31 October instructing Moore and the House Appropriations Committee to investigate what Trump described as the slaughter of Christians in Nigeria.