Friday, November 21, 2025 - Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Benue State, has spoken before the United States Congress, warning that Nigeria is undergoing a silent but escalating campaign of extermination targeted at Christians, and urging the global community to step in urgently.
During the congressional session dedicated to investigating
claims of Christian persecution in Nigeria, the Bishop stated that the crisis
has only grown worse.
He noted that the level of violence has continued to rise
since his previous appearance before the lawmakers.
He explained that the last six months proved that concerns
raised earlier were understated, as attacks by armed militias on predominantly
Christian communities have continued across the Middle Belt and other regions.
“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.
“Six months ago, on 13 March 2025, when I last appeared
before this committee, I warned that the situation was dire and demanded urgent
attention.”
The Bishop recalled that his own community in Gwer West
Local Government Area suffered an invasion on 22 May 2025, during which members
of his extended family were murdered.
He added that a convoy of reverend sisters and their
relatives were displaced while the parish came under direct attack. He said
nearby settlements, including Naka, were raided only days later.
He continued by recounting the killing of a clergyman 48
hours after the attack:
“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.
“On Palm Sunday, 6 April 2025, Fulani militias launched
coordinated attacks on Christian communities in Benue State. This was part of a
wider wave of violence during Holy Week, aimed at Christians preparing for one
of our most important feasts.”
He went on to reference the Yelwata massacre, noting that
more than 178 people were killed on 18 June in an attack too horrific to
describe.
“The attackers shouted alarms and chants while slaughtering
their 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 further noted that kidnappings of clergy
persist:
“On 17 November 2025, another priest from Kaduna Archdiocese
was kidnapped, his brother was shot dead, and several others were taken
captive.
That same day, a school was attacked in Kendi State. Many
were kidnapped, and the vice-principal was killed.”
He also mentioned reports that militants captured a
Brigadier General along with other soldiers, stressing that such incidents show
how widespread the insecurity has become.
According to him, millions are being pushed from their homes
and farmlands are being destroyed, worsening hunger and creating a humanitarian
crisis.
The Bishop accused the Nigerian government of failing to
confront the carnage, saying its passive posture has left Christian communities
feeling forsaken.
“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.”
Bishop Anagbe appreciated the United States for renewed
global attention and called for stronger measures:
“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.
“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. Legislation such as the
Nigerian Religious Freedom Accountability Act must be strengthened to hold
perpetrators accountable.”
Meanwhile, during the hearing, U.S. Congresswoman Sara
Jacobs criticised the Trump administration’s posture on the crisis, faulting
the former president’s threat of military action against Nigeria.
She argued that the complexity of the violence is being
oversimplified.
“President Trump’s threat is reckless, and any unilateral
military action in Nigeria is illegal. Congress has not authorised force in
Nigeria to protect Christians,”
The representative, who serves California’s 51st
Congressional District, insisted that the killings affect both Christians and
Muslims and called on the Nigerian government to step up efforts to secure its
population.
“President Trump’s threat is reckless, and any unilateral
military action in Nigeria is illegal. Congress has not authorised force in
Nigeria to protect Christians.”
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