•Photo (L-R): Tor Tiv, Prof James Ayatse; Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Bishop Wilfred Anagbe; Rep. Riley M. Moore and the Catholic Bishop of the Katsina-Ala Diocese, Isaac Dugu, during a visit to Benue State
A delegation of United States lawmakers and diplomats visited Benue State on a fact-finding mission over the alleged targeted killings of Christians.
Governor Hyacinth Alia received the delegation at the Government House in Makurdi on Saturday, where they met behind closed doors, reports Daily Trust.
In a Facebook post after the meeting, the governor said, “Our discussions focused on the security and humanitarian challenges in Benue and the North Central region, and the urgent need for sustainable peace, justice, and security for our people.”
The delegation later visited the Catholic Bishop’s Court near the Government House, holding another closed-door session with the Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, and other clergy.
Members of the delegation included Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart, Rep. Norma Torres, Rep. Scott Franklin, Rep. Juan Ciscomani, Rep. Riley M. Moore, and the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills.
Rep. Moore confirmed the meeting in a post on X, writing, “It was an honour and deeply moving to meet with His Excellency Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, Bishop Isaac Dugu, and His Royal Highness James Ioruza, traditional ruler of the Tiv people.”
The U.S. Congressional delegation had earlier met with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu in Abuja, following engagements in Washington, D.C.
Ribadu said discussions centred on counter-terrorism cooperation, regional stability, and strengthening the Nigeria–U.S. strategic security partnership.
“I’m optimistic this engagement will deepen trust, collaboration, and our shared commitment to peace and security,” Ribadu said.
