A United States of America lawmaker, Riley Moore has met with a Nigerian delegation over the allegations of Christian genocide in Nigeria.
Moore’s has been at the forefront of issues surrounding these allegations and ensuring that the Nigerian government takes necessary actions towards ending the persecution of Christians and abolishing sharia laws in key states of the North.
Recall that these allegations had also led to the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern by President Donald Trump who also treated the invasion of the US military troops among others in Nigeria.
However, given details of his meeting with the Nigerian delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the lawmaker said the US is ready to work with the Nigerian government to fight terrorism perpetuated by Boko Haram, ISWAP and Fulani militants.
During the visit which took place in Washington DC, Moore also said that it is important for the Nigerian government to stop the bloodshed, especially, the killing of Christians in the country.
He said, “Today, I had a frank, honest, and productive discussion with senior members of the Nigerian government regarding the horrific violence and persecution Christians face and the ongoing threat terrorism poses across Nigeria.
“I made it crystal clear that the United States must see tangible steps to ensure that Christians are not subject to violence, persecution, displacement, and death simply for believing in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
“We stand ready to work cooperatively with the Nigerians to help their nation combat the terrorism perpetrated by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Fulani militants against their population, specifically Christians in the Northeast and Middle Belt regions of Nigeria.
“The Nigerian government has the chance to strengthen and deepen its relationship with the United States. President Trump and Congress are united and serious in our resolve to end the violence against Christians and disrupt and destroy terrorist groups within Nigeria. I urge the Nigerians to work with us in cooperation and coordination on this critical issue,” Moore said.
Also, during the meeting, Nigerian officials conveyed the Federal Government’s challenges and concerns regarding counterterrorism, security assistance, protection of vulnerable communities, and ongoing issues involving violence across Nigeria.
The Nigerian delegation led by Ribadu includes, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu; the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Olasunkami Fagbemi, SAN; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede and the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt. Gen. EAP Undiendeye.
Others include, the special adviser to the Office of the NSA, Idayat Hassan; Director of Foreign Relations, ONSA, Ibrahim Babani; Acting CDA, Embassy of Nigeria, Ambassador Nuru Biu; and the Political and Economic Section, Embassy of Nigeria, Paul Alabi.
