“Priests Murdered, Villages Erased” — Benue Bishop Warns U.S. Congress of Intensifying Genocide Against Christians

Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi has delivered a stark warning to the United States Congress, declaring that Nigeria is facing a “silent but escalating campaign of extermination” against its Christian population. He urged the international community to take immediate action before the crisis spirals further out of control.

Speaking at a congressional hearing investigating claims of Christian persecution, the Bishop said the situation in Nigeria has worsened significantly since he last addressed U.S. lawmakers.

According to him, the past six months have shown that earlier warnings were far too conservative, as armed militias continue launching deadly raids on predominantly Christian communities across the Middle Belt and beyond.

“I am not speaking out of opinion or privilege,” he told the Subcommittee. “When I last appeared before you on 13 March 2025, I said the situation was dire and required urgent attention. Today, it is even worse.”

Communities Attacked, Clergy Murdered

Bishop Anagbe recounted harrowing attacks on his own community in Gwer West LGA on 22 May 2025, during which members of his extended family were killed. A convoy of reverend sisters and their relatives was also displaced while the parish came under direct assault. Surrounding settlements, including Naka, were subsequently raided.

Just 48 hours later, another tragedy struck.

“On 24 May 2025, one of my priests, Brother Solomon Atongo, was shot and left to die. Those travelling with him were abducted. Though he survived, he now lives with permanent injuries.”

He also highlighted coordinated assaults during Holy Week, including Palm Sunday attacks by Fulani militias on Christian communities in Benue State.

One of the deadliest incidents, the Yelwata massacre of 18 June 2025, claimed more than 178 lives. “The attackers shouted chants as they slaughtered their victims,” the Bishop said, criticising the Nigerian government for downplaying the scale of the slaughter.

Kidnappings of clergy continue unabated. On 17 November 2025, a priest from Kaduna was abducted, his brother was killed, and several others were taken. That same day, a school in Kendi State was attacked, resulting in mass kidnappings and the murder of a vice-principal.

The Bishop also referenced reports of militants capturing a Brigadier General and other soldiers, underscoring how deeply insecurity has penetrated the country.

‘Millions Displaced, Farmlands Destroyed’

He warned that vast numbers of people are being driven from their homes as agricultural lands are destroyed, triggering hunger and a growing humanitarian crisis.

Bishop Anagbe accused Nigeria’s national leadership of refusing to acknowledge the scale of the carnage.

“The government treats reports of Christian genocide as a non-issue rather than a national emergency. This lack of political will creates perceptions of complicity or indifference.”

Calls for U.S. Action

The Bishop thanked the United States for renewed attention to the issue, especially President Donald Trump’s decision to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, but stressed that symbolic steps are not enough.

“IDPs must be able to return home with security guarantees,” he said. “They need support to rebuild their livelihoods, access education, sanitation, and basic services. Legislation such as the Nigerian Religious Freedom Accountability Act must be strengthened to ensure accountability.”

U.S. Lawmaker Pushes Back

During the hearing, Congresswoman Sara Jacobs criticised Trump’s approach, calling his threat of military action against Nigeria “reckless” and unlawful.

“Congress has not authorised the use of force in Nigeria to protect Christians,” she said, arguing that the violence affects both Christians and Muslims and cannot be oversimplified along purely religious lines. She urged the Nigerian government to intensify efforts to protect all civilians.