Over 600,000 Christians Displaced in Benue IDP Camps, US Envoy Raises Alarm

 

The United States Congressman, Riley M. Moore, has expressed grave concern over the plight of more than 600,000 Christians living in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Benue State, following years of violent attacks that have forced entire communities from their homes.

In a post on X on Wednesday, Moore shared harrowing accounts he said were provided by residents during his visit to several IDP camps across the state.

He recounted meeting “dozens of Christians” who survived deadly assaults and are now seeking refuge in makeshift shelters. The displaced residents described “horrific violence” that decimated families and emptied villages.

Moore highlighted the testimony of a woman who allegedly watched as her husband and five children were killed, escaping only with her unborn child. Another survivor, he said, told of witnessing the murder of her family while her baby was taken from her womb. A man also recounted being left permanently injured after seeing his family hacked to death before his eyes.

Describing the scale of displacement as alarming, Moore accused “genocidal Fulani” of driving indigenous Christian communities from their ancestral lands and called for heightened international attention.

“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,” he said.

During his visit, Moore also met Tiv and Catholic leaders, including Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, Bishop Isaac Dugu, and Tiv traditional ruler, HRH James Ioruza, discussing what he described as an ongoing campaign of violence in Benue.

The US congressman said his trip included meetings with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and other senior officials, focusing on terrorism in the North-East, killings in the Middle Belt, and security priorities aligned with President Donald Trump. Both sides explored measures to improve security cooperation, pointing to the existing Nigeria–US joint task force as progress, though Moore insisted on translating discussions into concrete action.

Ribadu confirmed the meeting, noting that discussions followed previous engagements in Washington and addressed counter-terrorism, regional stability, and strengthening the strategic partnership between both nations.

The US had on November 30 redesignated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern over alleged religious freedom violations, warning of potential military intervention. The Nigerian government has consistently denied claims of systemic persecution, stating that insecurity affects all Nigerians regardless of faith or ethnicity.

Moore commended recent security operations, including the rescue of over 100 abducted Catholic schoolchildren, and assured that the experiences shared by displaced communities “will not be ignored.” He added that he will brief the White House as directed by President Trump.