A United States congressional delegation led by Congressman Riley Moore don round up their fact-finding mission for Nigeria over claims of widespread killings. The team, wey include five members of US Congress, arrive the country on Sunday and move round areas affected by attacks, especially for Benue State, to gather firsthand information.
Dem visit IDP camps, meet survivors of attacks, speak with Christian communities, traditional rulers, and also hold closed-door meetings with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
Our findings from relevant sources show say the US lawmakers dey prepare a full report wey dem go submit to President Donald Trump before month end.
Team Hear Disturbing Stories
During one US media appearance, Riley Moore explain say the team hear extremely troubling testimonies from survivors. According to wetin we gather, Moore describe the situation as one of the “most disturbing experiences” of his political career.
The delegation meet several victims who lose family members during attacks allegedly carried out by armed groups. One of the women dem meet reportedly lose her entire family and give birth inside an IDP camp after escaping. Another woman allegedly lose her husband, two daughters and an unborn child for similar attack.
Moore hint say the pattern of violence dem observe suggest say many Christian communities for the region dey deliberately targeted.
Movement Across Benue Under Tight Security
The congressional team move around Benue inside armoured vehicles because of heavy security concerns. They meet Catholic and Protestant leaders, bishops, community heads and other local authorities to gather wetin Moore call “ground truth.”
From their interactions, the delegation claim say the scale of violence go beyond explanation of land conflict or climate-related stress. According to wetin we gather, the US team question why religious centres and IDP camps dey attacked if the violence na only about land or grazing issues.
Delegation Say Attacks Get Clear Pattern
Based on the testimonies and site visits, the US lawmakers maintain say many of the attacks seem coordinated to wipe out Christian settlements for parts of the North Central region, especially Benue State. Moore reportedly insist say plenty victims describe attackers shouting religious slogans during raids, raising serious concern for the US team.
Report to Trump Underway
Our sources confirm say President Trump personally direct Riley Moore and House Appropriations Chairman, Tom Cole, to compile a detailed brief of everything the team discover. The report go include findings from interviews, camp visits, talks with community leaders and meetings with top Nigerian security officials.
The US President expect the final document before the month end as part of Washington’s review of the situation in Nigeria.
Nigeria Respond to Earlier US Designation
Trump administration had earlier list Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged Christian genocide. But the Nigerian government don reject that label, insisting say the crisis no get religious colouration and na general insecurity affecting different communities.
We go continue to dey monitor developments as the US prepares its briefing and as Nigeria respond to any new findings.
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