- Most Rev. Wilfred Anagbe, the Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, testified before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Africa, fiercely accusing the Nigerian Federal Government of downplaying the crisis and neglecting survivors of the Yelwata attacks in Benue State.
- He described the situation as an “escalating crisis of Christian persecution and genocide,” recounting personal tragedies, including the murder of extended family members, the shooting of one of his priests, and widespread attacks during Holy Week.
Most Rev. Wilfred Anagbe, the Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, has accused the Federal Government of downplaying the severity of killings and neglecting survivors of the Yelwata attacks in Benue State. He made the remarks during his testimony before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Africa regarding Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation.
The Bishop stated that the crisis has worsened and escalated since his last appearance, emphasizing the severity of his claims:
“I am not speaking as a matter of privilege or opinion. Mr Chairman, Ranking Members, distinguished Members of the Subcommittee, thank you for inviting me back to testify on the escalating crisis of Christian persecution and genocide in Nigeria.”
He recalled the attack on his own community in Gwer West LGA, where his extended family members were murdered. He detailed the attack on a clergyman following that incident:
“On 24 May 2025, one of my priests, Brother Solomon Atongo, was shot and left to die in a pool of his blood. Those travelling with him were abducted. Although he survived, he can no longer walk freely due to a broken bone.”
Referencing the Yelwata massacre, where over 178 people were killed, he stated that the government has failed the victims:
“Despite appeals, including prayers from the Holy Father on 14 June, the Nigerian government still seeks to downplay the numbers and has yet to care appropriately for survivors.”
Bishop Anagbe accused the Nigerian government of failing to confront the carnage:
“National leadership appears disengaged, treating reports of Christian genocide as a non-issue instead of a national emergency. This lack of political will undermines trust and breeds perceptions of complicity or indifference.”
He thanked the U.S. for attention, urging stronger action:
“On behalf of millions of Christians in Nigeria and in the diaspora, we thank President Donald J. Trump for his bold leadership in designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern. It is a vital step, but it must be backed by serious action.”
He insisted that displaced people must return home with security:
“The IDPs must be able to return to their ancestral homes with security guarantees. They need support to rebuild their livelihoods and access education, sanitation and basic services.”
