US Congressman Riley Moore Concludes “Very Productive” Visit to Nigeria Amid Allegations of Christian Genocide, Pledges Continued Accountability and International Scrutiny

 United States Congressman Riley Moore (R-WV), a vocal advocate for religious freedom and member of the House Appropriations Committee, has wrapped up an official congressional visit to Nigeria, describing the trip as “very productive” and reaffirming his commitment to addressing what he has termed a “genocide” against the country’s Christian population.

Moore, who represents West Virginia’s Second District, arrived in Nigeria on behalf of the American people and “in the name of the Lord,” as he stated in a post on his official X account (@RepRileyMoore). The visit, which included high-level meetings with Nigerian government officials and engagements with affected communities in Benue State—a hotspot for reported sectarian violence—marks a significant step in an ongoing U.S. congressional investigation into escalating attacks on Christians in Nigeria.

“The targeted killing of Christians in Nigeria is not just persecution; it is a violation of human rights that borders on genocide,” Moore said in a recent statement introducing a House resolution condemning the violence. “The United Nations’ failure to intervene has allowed this to continue for far too long. Thankfully, President Trump is not allowing the United States to turn a blind eye.” This trip follows President Trump’s October 31 directive to Moore and the House Appropriations Committee to probe the “slaughter of Christians” and report findings to the White House, amid threats of U.S. sanctions or even military action if the killings persist.

While Moore did not disclose specific details of his itinerary or discussions during the visit, sources indicate the delegation focused on documenting the scale of violence, consulting with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and Christian leaders on the ground, and evaluating Nigeria’s response to extremist threats from groups like Boko Haram and Fulani militants. Reports suggest over 7,000 Christians have been killed in Nigeria this year alone, making it the deadliest country for Christians worldwide, according to advocacy groups like Faith and Liberty.

The Nigerian government has firmly denied allegations of genocide, emphasizing that violence affects communities across religious and ethnic lines and rejecting portrayals of the crisis as a targeted campaign against Christians. In response to Moore’s visit, former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode urged the congressman to adopt a “balanced view,” noting that Muslims have also fallen victim to attacks and calling for U.S. support rather than “insults and threats.”

Moore’s delegation was hosted by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, as part of bilateral security consultations. Earlier U.S.-Nigeria talks in Washington, D.C., saw Nigerian representatives push back against genocide claims, leading to the establishment of a joint U.S.-Nigeria working group approved by President Bola Tinubu to address insecurity collaboratively.

“Genocide can’t be ignored,” Moore emphasized in a Fox News interview last month, outlining potential U.S. responses including sanctions, aid freezes, and “kinetic military action” if perpetrators are not brought to justice. He has also warned that the U.S. will hold Nigerian authorities accountable, particularly regarding the safety of high-profile figures like Reverend Dachomo, a vocal critic of the violence who has faced online harassment and threats.

This visit underscores growing bipartisan concern in Congress over religious persecution in Nigeria and could influence U.S. policy, including aid allocations and diplomatic pressure. Moore plans to brief the House upon his return and release a detailed report on findings.