- The Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, the Rev. Wilfred Anagbe, testifying before the US House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa, harshly accused the Nigerian federal government of downplaying the crisis and ignoring survivors of the Yelwata attack in Benue State.
- Describing the situation as an “escalating crisis of Christian persecution and genocide,” he recounted personal tragedies including the murder of extended family members, the shooting death of one of his priests and widespread attacks during Holy Week.
The Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, the Rev. Wilfred Anagbe, has accused the federal government of downplaying the seriousness of the killings and ignoring survivors of the Yelwata attack in Benue State. He made the remarks while testifying before the US House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa on the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria.
The bishop said the crisis had worsened and escalated since his last appearance and underlined the seriousness of his claims:
“I am not speaking for 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 in his community in Gwer West LGA, where members of his extended family were murdered. He detailed an attack on a priest following the incident:
“On May 24, 2025, one of my priests, Brother Solomon Atongo, was shot and died in a pool of blood. The people who were traveling with him were kidnapped. Although he survived, he can no longer walk freely due to fractures.”
Referring to the Yelwata massacre that left more than 178 people dead, he said the government had failed the victims:
“Despite appeals, including the Pope’s June 14 prayer, the Nigerian government continues to try to downplay the numbers and has yet to properly care for survivors.”
Bishop Anagbe accused the Nigerian government of failing to respond to the massacre:
“National leadership appears indifferent, treating reports of Christian genocide as a non-existent problem rather than a national emergency. This lack of political will undermines trust and breeds perceptions of complicity or apathy.”
He thanked the United States for its concern and urged stronger action:
“On behalf of millions of Christians in Nigeria and abroad, we thank President Donald J. Trump for his bold leadership in designating Nigeria as a Country of Special Concern. This is a critical step, but it must be backed by serious action.”
He insisted that displaced people must return safely to their homes:
“IDPs must be able to return to their ancestral homes with security. They need support to rebuild their livelihoods and access education, health and basic services.”
