United States Congressman Riley Moore has visited traditional and religious leaders in Nigeria while discussing security and human rights concerns.
Moore shared photos of the visit on X on Monday.
The congressman did not disclose the location, but the images indicated he was in Nigeria.
“It was an honour and deeply moving to meet His Excellency Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, Bishop Isaac Dugu, and His Royal Highness James Ioruza. He said the discussions centred on “the ongoing genocidal campaign in Benue State,” he wrote.
“Our brothers and sisters in Christ will no longer suffer in silence. The United States has heard your cries and we are working diligently toward solutions,” he added,
Moore earlier praised the Federal Government for rescuing 100 children abducted in Niger State.
He described the operation as a positive indication of President Bola Tinubu’s security response.
“This shows commitment to the emergency declaration laid out by President Tinubu,” he said.
The rep member confirmed that a joint task force has been created between the US State Department and Nigeria.
He said the initiative aims to address concerns about the alleged persecution of Christians.
Moore added that cooperation between both governments “must now translate to concrete action.”
The congressman’s visit follows months of tense exchanges between US and Nigerian officials over claims of religious persecution.
Meanwhile, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu received a US congressional delegation in Abuja on Sunday.
He said the meeting continued the earlier talks held in Washington. Ribadu noted that both countries discussed counter-terrorism and regional stability.
Moore described the Abuja meetings as “very productive,” noting that the visit included a stop in Benue State.
The visit occurred amid renewed diplomatic tensions following Washington’s designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern.
Nigeria has rejected the allegation, insisting that insecurity affects citizens of all faiths.
Moore had previously made strong claims of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria. After visiting affected communities, he moderated his position.
He said the depiction of state-supported extermination was “misleading” and not supported by findings on the ground.
