The Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Benue State, Most Rev. Wilfred Anagbe, has told the United States Congress that a systematic campaign of annihilation is sweeping through Christian communities in Nigeria, urging global powers to intervene before the crisis escalates further.
Appearing before the House Subcommittee on Africa, the Bishop said the situation had deteriorated sharply since his last testimony six months ago, insisting that previous warnings were understated given the intensity of recent assaults by armed militias across the Middle Belt.
“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,” Anagbe said. “Six months ago, I warned that the situation was dire. The last six months have shown it is even worse.”
He recounted an attack on his community in Gwer West Local Government Area on May 22, where members of his extended family were murdered.
He said a convoy conveying reverend sisters and their relatives was also displaced in the invasion, which spread to nearby settlements, including Naka, days later.
Anagbe added that on May 24, a clergyman, Brother Solomon Atongo, was shot and left for dead while travelling with companions who were subsequently abducted. Although the priest survived, he now suffers lasting injuries.
The Bishop also referenced coordinated attacks on Palm Sunday, April 6, when armed men descended on Christian communities in Benue in what he described as a deliberate offensive during Holy Week.
He reiterated that the June 18 Yelwata massacre, in which over 178 people were reportedly killed, remained one of the most horrific incidents yet recorded.
He accused authorities of downplaying the casualty figures despite international outcry, including prayers from Pope Francis.
Anagbe said kidnappings of clergy and targeted attacks have continued across several states.
He cited the abduction of a Kaduna priest on November 17, the killing of his brother, and a same-day school attack in Kendi State that left the vice-principal dead and several persons kidnapped. Reports of militants capturing a Brigadier General and other soldiers, he said, further illustrated the scale of insecurity nationwide.
According to him, millions have been displaced, farmlands destroyed and hunger exacerbated, creating a deepening humanitarian emergency.
He criticised what he described as the Nigerian government’s passive posture, saying it has eroded public trust and fuelled fears of official indifference.
“National leadership appears disengaged, treating reports of Christian genocide as a non-issue instead of a national emergency,” he said.
The Bishop thanked the United States for renewed attention to the crisis, commending President Donald Trump for returning Nigeria to the Country of Particular Concern list.
He, however, insisted that the designation must translate into stronger action, including enabling internally displaced persons to safely return to their communities.
He urged support for rebuilding livelihoods, strengthening legislation such as the Nigerian Religious Freedom Accountability Act and guaranteeing access to education, sanitation and essential services.
However, during the hearing, U.S. Congresswoman Sara Jacobs criticised the Trump administration’s approach, describing the former president’s threat of military action against Nigeria as reckless.
“Any unilateral military action in Nigeria is illegal. Congress has not authorised force in Nigeria to protect Christians,” she said, stressing that both Christians and Muslims have been victims and urging Nigerian authorities to prioritise security.
