US Congressman Riley Moore Warns of Escalating Violence Against Christians in Nigeria, Cites ISIS ‘Convert or Die’ Threats and U.S.–Nigeria Security Cooperation

U.S. Congressman Riley Moore has raised fresh alarm over what he describes as a worsening campaign of violence against Christian communities in Nigeria, citing threats from ISIS-linked groups demanding that Christians “convert or die.” Speaking on Newsmax TV, Moore said he visited Nigeria in December as part of a congressional delegation sent at the direction of President Donald Trump to assess security conditions and humanitarian needs.

Moore recounted harrowing testimonies from internally displaced persons (IDPs), including women who witnessed the قتل of their children, families torn apart, and unborn babies killed. He said these accounts point to targeted religious persecution, not random criminal violence. According to him, extremist groups—such as ISIS-affiliated factions and Islamist militants active in Nigeria’s Middle Belt—are deliberately attacking churches, Christian villages, and IDP camps.

The West Virginia lawmaker stated that U.S.–Nigeria security cooperation has intensified, claiming recent joint military actions, including a reported strike around Christmas, helped deter attacks during the holiday period. While some details of these operations have not been independently verified, Moore said discussions are ongoing to establish a broader strategic security framework to strengthen Nigeria’s military capacity, improve intelligence sharing, and close operational gaps.

Rejecting explanations that attribute the violence mainly to climate change or land disputes, Moore argued that the rhetoric and actions of extremist groups clearly show a specific focus on Christian communities. He acknowledged that Nigerians of all backgrounds have suffered but insisted that Christians face targeted persecution.

Human rights groups continue to document widespread insecurity in Nigeria involving Boko Haram, ISIS–West Africa Province (ISWAP), and armed militias, with debate persisting over the root causes of the violence. Moore said his conclusions are based on firsthand observations: “What is happening in Nigeria is Christian persecution,” he maintained, urging sustained international attention and support.

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Over 30 Women, Children Displaced by Bandits Forced to Share Single Room at Unofficial Zamfara IDP Camp

More than 30 women and children displaced by bandit attacks are crammed into a single room at an unofficial IDP camp in Gusau, Zamfara State. Videos shared by lawyer Mubashir Umar reveal horrific living conditions, with victims recounting abductions, killings, rape, hunger and prolonged captivity despite ransom payments. Umar blamed the worsening humanitarian crisis on the Zamfara State government’s failure to establish official IDP camps across the state’s 14 local government areas, leaving displaced persons to seek shelter in schools, unfinished buildings, markets and private homes amid escalating insecurity in Nigeria’s North-West.

Five Killed, Many Abducted as Suspected Herdsmen Launch Deadly Ambush on Ortese Community in Benue State

At least five people have been confirmed dead, several others injured, and an unidentified number of residents abducted following a deadly attack on Ortese community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. The violent incident occurred on Tuesday, December 24, 2025, along the Igyungu Aze–Yogbo Road, triggering panic and a mass displacement of residents.

Local sources disclosed that the attack was allegedly carried out by suspected armed herdsmen, who reportedly staged a coordinated ambush along the road. According to eyewitnesses, the attackers barricaded the Ortese–Yogbo route before opening fire indiscriminately on commuters and villagers who were either travelling or hiding in nearby bushes.

Among those killed were Solo Uchi, Alhaji Iorlaha, and Tersoo Uker, while two other victims are yet to be formally identified. Community members fear the death toll may rise, as several residents remain missing and local youths continue search efforts in surrounding bushes and farmlands.

One of the deceased, Tersoo Uker, was an Internally Displaced Person (IDP) who had fled earlier violence and was living in the Igyungu Aze camp. He was reportedly gathering grass behind the camp to roof a makeshift shelter due to severe overcrowding when he was attacked and killed.

Residents described the scene as horrifying, recounting how some victims were shot dead instantly, while others were chased into the bush during the assault. A local youth leader said the attackers deliberately targeted vulnerable civilians, leaving the community traumatised.

“This attack happened just two days after another deadly incident in Daudu where two people were killed,” a community source said, highlighting a worrying pattern of recurring violence in the area.

The abduction of several residents has intensified fear, forcing many families to flee Ortese community for safer locations. Survivors are reportedly taking refuge in neighbouring towns and IDP camps amid growing insecurity.

The latest incident has renewed calls for urgent government intervention, enhanced security deployment, and decisive action to curb persistent attacks in Benue State, which has long been plagued by communal violence, armed herdsmen attacks, and mass displacement.

As of the time of reporting, security agencies had yet to release an official statement, while residents continue to demand protection and accountability to prevent further bloodshed.

U.S. Congressman Alleges Fulani Militants Conduct “Genocidal Campaign” Against Christians in Nigeria

U.S. Republican Congressman Riley Moore has described violent attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt as a “genocidal campaign,” following a high-risk visit to Benue State. Speaking on Fox News, Moore recounted touring IDP camps and meeting victims of the attacks, including women who witnessed the murder of their children. He accused Fulani militants of targeting Christians deliberately, dismissing explanations of land disputes or climate pressures. Moore revealed that he will report his findings to former President Donald Trump and urged U.S. authorities to engage Nigerian leaders on the crisis, emphasizing that IDP camps offer little protection and that communities remain under severe threat.

U.S. Pledges Action on Religious Freedom in Nigeria After Lawmakers Visit Benue IDP Camps

The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to defending religious freedom in Nigeria following a visit by U.S. Congressman Riley Moore to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Benue State. During the visit, Moore met with Christian victims who recounted horrific attacks that left families murdered and communities displaced. The U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responded by pledging that America “will not look away,” noting that the visit forms part of a fact-finding mission ordered by President Donald Trump to address Christian persecution and guide future policy. Moore later met with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, discussing concrete steps to tackle terrorism and violence in the North-East and Middle Belt. While acknowledging some progress, the U.S. stressed that Nigeria’s security crisis remains severe and requires urgent action.

While in Benue, I met with dozens of Christians who were driven from their homes and subjected to horrific violence and now live in IDP camps.

They told harrowing stories that will remain with me for the rest of my life.

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 armed 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.

NEMA advises Edo flood-prone residents to relocate upland as River Niger rises.

The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Edo State office has issued a riot act to residents living at the bank of the River Niger in the state to relocate to higher grounds.

The Head of Benin Operation Office, Kenoma Ojuederie gave the charge during the customers week celebration in Benin City.

Ojuederie said the charge became necessary following the rising level of water on the River Niger and to also avoid loss of lives.

According to him, before now, we have done sensitisation and awareness campaigns to communities in flood-prone areas to get prepared and move to higher ground.

“From now on, we are expecting the flood because water has been released from some dams, and floods are going to come due to the release of water from dams.

“So, as part of measures to avoid casualties, I advised the residents to move to higher ground while those in the area where there are IDP camps should move there and the state government would cater for those in the camp,” he said.

He added that the customers’ week was to appreciate people in emergency management who are victims of disasters and stakeholders.

Earlier, the Edo State Executive Secretary, State Management Agency, SEMA, Jerry Idahosa, explained that the water is already rising, but there is no cause for alarm yet.

Five Soldiers, 58 Civilians Killed In Fresh Borno Attack

At least 63 people including five soldiers and 58 civilians — were killed when suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked Daral-Jamal community along the Bama-Banki road, Sambisa Forest, on Friday night.

The insurgents torched over 20 houses, vehicles, and foodstuffs belonging to recently resettled IDPs.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the community on Saturday to condole with bereaved families and urged urgent deployment of trained Forest Guards to support the military.

Residents said dozens of fighters stormed the town on motorbikes, shooting indiscriminately and setting homes ablaze. The Air Force later claimed it neutralised about 30 terrorists during the gunfight.

The attack has renewed concerns over the government’s push to close IDP camps and resettle displaced persons in vulnerable rural areas.

Ref: Channels TV
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