Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Benue State, testified before the United States Congress, warning of a silent yet escalating campaign of extermination targeting Christians in Nigeria. He urged the global community to intervene urgently, citing a significant rise in violence against Christian communities in the Middle Belt and other regions. The Bishop emphasized that the crisis has worsened since his previous appearance before lawmakers six months earlier, with armed militias continuing attacks on predominantly Christian areas, leading to increased violence and displacement.
During the hearing, Bishop Anagbe recounted a recent invasion of his community in Gwer West Local Government Area, where members of his extended family were murdered and a clergyman was shot and left for dead. He also referenced the Yelwata massacre, which claimed over 178 lives, and criticized the Nigerian government for downplaying the incident and failing to provide adequate care for survivors. The Bishop highlighted the ongoing kidnappings of clergy, noting a recent case in which a priest from the Kaduna Archdiocese was abducted and his brother was shot dead. He accused the Nigerian government of neglecting the violence, leaving Christian communities feeling abandoned.
The Bishop expressed appreciation for renewed global attention from the United States and called for stronger measures to address the crisis. He urged the passage of legislation to hold perpetrators accountable and advocated for support that would enable internally displaced persons to return to their ancestral homes.
U.S. Congresswoman Sara Jacobs, speaking during the hearing, criticized the Trump administration’s posture on the crisis, arguing that the complexity of the violence is being oversimplified. She opposed the former president’s threat of military action against Nigeria, calling it reckless and illegal, and instead urged the Nigerian government to step up efforts to protect its population.
The hearing underscores ongoing concerns about Christian persecution in Nigeria and the need for urgent international attention. The situation continues to deteriorate, with millions displaced, farmlands destroyed, hunger escalating, and a deepening humanitarian crisis. The international community is being called upon to take stronger measures to address the crisis and hold perpetrators accountable.
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