Attacks in Nigeria Following Bishop’s Testimony on Christian Persecution
Bishop Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe from Makurdi Parish in Nigeria expressed grave concerns during an interview. Just a day after he testified at a US Congress hearing about the persecution of Christians, his hometown, Andna, faced an attack from what he described as “terrorist jihad,” resulting in the deaths of over 20 residents.
Anagbe had previously addressed the African Foreign Affairs Subcommittee, highlighting the dire situation in Nigeria, where violence against Christians has surged. The hearing aimed to assess whether Nigeria should maintain its designation as a country of particular concern under the International Religious Freedom Act.
In 2020, Nigeria was labeled a country of particular concern, but this status was later revoked under the Biden administration. Secretary of State Antony Blinken controversially stated that, despite the violence, there wasn’t enough evidence to suggest religious motives behind the attacks. Critics argue that Nigeria has seen more Christian fatalities than anywhere else, primarily due to violence from Muslim extremist groups like Boko Haram and Fulani militia.
In March, Representative Christopher Smith introduced a resolution urging the Trump administration to reissue Nigeria’s designation as a country of particular concern, pointing out that both Christian and Muslim peacemakers in Nigeria often face threats to their safety.
During his March 12th testimony, Bishop Anagbe remarked that Nigeria, especially the Benue region, has transformed into one of the most perilous places for Christians in recent years. He noted how Muslim extremists are aggressively vying for land ownership and governance, significantly affecting the dynamics between various ethnic and religious groups in the nation.
Anagbe characterized Nigeria as a fragile state, rife with ethnic, political, and religious skirmishes exacerbated by the rise of Islamism. He warned that the influence of Islamic extremists is shifting traditional social structures across tribes and religious identities.
He expressed alarm over a long-term agenda that threatens to marginalize the Christian population, describing actions that include violent and non-violent strategies aimed at reducing Christian representation in power. Instances such as land grabs from Christian farmers, violent assaults, and the destruction of farms are part of this disturbing pattern.
Anagbe accused groups like the Fulani of actively contributing to these campaigns. He outlined how these tribes reportedly operate with impunity, attacking Christians and instilling fear without facing repercussions from the authorities.
The bishop shared alarming accounts of recent attacks on Andna and a neighboring town, where many residents have been displaced and live in makeshift camps. He noted that these incidents are part of a larger effort by jihadist groups to claim more territory.
With a sense of urgency, Anagbe cautioned that Nigerian Christians could suffer a form of genocide similar to historic atrocities like the Rwandan genocide. He expressed frustration with global inaction and described the situation as an impending humanitarian crisis.
In subsequent incidents, reports indicated that more than 100 Christians in Benue were killed in recent attacks by Fulani militants. Anagbe lamented the dire state of his community, emphasizing that many parishes have been forced to close due to ongoing violence.
He concluded by calling for immediate action; not only did he urge the Trump administration to reclassify Nigeria as a country of particular concern, but he also appealed to the Nigerian government to facilitate the return of displaced Christians to their homes.
As tensions continue to rise, both Anagbe and other concerned leaders are voicing out against the pervasive violence, demanding an end to the atrocities that have left countless families in despair.
