Most Rev. Wilfred Anagbe, the Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, has accused the Federal Government of downplaying the severity of killings in Benue State and neglecting survivors of the Yelwata attacks.
He made the remarks while testifying before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Africa during a hearing on Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation.
The Bishop stated that the crisis in the country has worsened and continued to escalate since his previous appearance before the lawmakers.
“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.”
