American Lawmakers Visit To IDP Camps In Benue: U.S Govt Vows To Protect Religious Freedom In Nigeri
The United States government Wednesday, reiterated it's readiness to take action to protect religious freedom in Nigeria.
The United States government Wednesday, reiterated it's readiness to take action to protect religious freedom in Nigeria.
This was made known by the House Committee on Appropriations through its official X handle, commenting on a post by Congressman Riley Moore, who visited Benue State to meet Christians in an Internally Displaced Persons, IDP, camp affected by horrific violence.
While in Benue, U.S. lawmaker, Moore met with dozens of Christians who were forced of their homes after being subjected to horrific violence, and now living in IDP camps.
He described their accounts as harrowing experiences that will stay with him for the rest of his life.
His words, "One woman was forced to watch as they killed her husband and five children. She, and her unborn child, barely escaped. Another woman’s family was murdered in front of her and her baby was ripped from her womb.
“One man’s family was hacked to death in front of his eyes and his arm was permanently mangled. 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."
Responding to his post on Wednesday, the House Committee on Appropriations wrote on its official X handle, “America will not look away as innocent lives are stolen. Directed by @POTUS, Appropriators led an on-the-ground mission to inform a report on Christian persecution in Nigeria and guide policy recommendations.
“Religious freedom and atrocity response are central to our NSRP bill.”
SaharaReporters reported on Monday that Congressman Moore expressed renewed concerns over Nigeria’s worsening security situation, noting that significant efforts were still needed to curb terrorism and deadly attacks, particularly in the North-East and Middle Belt.
In a statement posted on X, Moore said he met with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, where they discussed the escalating wave of terrorism and ongoing killings, adding that the security challenges were a pressing concern for both U.S. President Donald Trump and himself.
According to Moore, the delegation engaged Nigerian officials on specific measures that, if fully implemented, could help stabilise 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 (a specific concern for @POTUS and me) – particularly in the Middle Belt of the country,” he wrote.
“There is much work still to be done, but things are moving in the right direction. I look forward to the next steps with the Nigerian government and the continued open dialogue.
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