ABUJA / BENUE — The United States has publicly pledged renewed commitment to defend religious freedom in Nigeria, following a visit by American lawmakers to internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Benue State where thousands of Christians are sheltering after waves of violence.
Riley M. Moore, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, visited several camps in Benue where more than 600,000 displaced Christians are said to be living, according to his account. He recounted harrowing testimonies from survivors: one woman reportedly watched assailants kill her husband and five children she and her unborn baby narrowly escaped. Another survivor described how attackers murdered her family and “ripped her baby from her womb.” Moore said these stories will remain “with me for the rest of my life.
In response to Moore’s on‑the‑ground findings, the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations issued a statement on its official social‑media channel declaring: “America will not look away as innocent lives are stolen.” The Committee affirmed that religious freedom and atrocity response are central to its upcoming National Security and Related Programs (NSRP) bill.
The lawmakers’ visit part of a broader fact‑finding mission by a U.S. congressional delegation concerned about alleged large‑scale persecution of Christians in Nigeria has once again thrust into the spotlight the humanitarian and religious‑freedom crisis in parts of Nigeria, especially the Middle Belt and states such as Benue.
According to Moore, conversations during the visit included discussions with Nigerian officials about concrete steps that could bolster security, protect vulnerable communities, and stem the violence. He affirmed that efforts to disrupt militant groups and safeguard religious minorities remain a priority for Washington.
While the United States expresses a willingness to help, the coming weeks will test whether pledges translate into policies: will U.S. pressure and diplomatic engagement lead to meaningful protections for displaced communities in Nigeria? And can the Nigerian government — in cooperation with international partners deliver on security reforms, accountability, and restoration of religious rights?
The urgency is clear: as the number of displaced persons swells and testimonies of brutality mount, the need to safeguard religious freedom and human dignity becomes not just a diplomatic talking point but a moral imperative.