Testimony on Religious Violence in Nigeria

Bishop Wilfred Anagbe from the Diocese of Makurdi in Nigeria’s Benue state spoke on Thursday before the House of Representatives about the severe violence that Christians in Nigeria face regularly. He expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump for designating Nigeria as a dangerous zone for religious freedom.

On October 31, President Trump stated that Nigeria would be reinstated on the State Department’s Religious Freedom List as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC). This label had originally been applied in 2020 but was removed by former President Joe Biden in 2021 without clear justification. In his announcement, Trump highlighted a “genocide” occurring at the hands of organized jihadists targeting Christian communities, urging the Nigerian government to step up its protection of Christians in peril.

Bishop Anagbe described the situation as an existential threat to Christianity in Nigeria, noting that “thousands of Christians have been murdered.” He pointed out that radical Islam is behind this genocide, stressing that the United States cannot simply stand by and watch such atrocities unfold. “We are ready, willing, and able to save great Christians around the world!” he wrote.

In response to the CPC designation, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu dismissed claims of religious discrimination, asserting that general insecurity also affects Muslim populations in the country.

While addressing the House Foreign Affairs Committee, chaired by Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), Bishop Anagbe detailed numerous attacks carried out by jihadists, particularly organized Fulani groups. These attacks have resulted in the destruction of churches, displacement of millions of Christians, and the killing and abduction of many locals in the Middle Belt.

Nigeria’s demographic is quite balanced, with about 60 percent Muslims in the north and 40 percent Christians in the south. The Middle Belt experiences a lot of the jihadist violence, with extremist Muslims often seizing Christian farmland and trying to displace local populations. Benue and Plateau states, where Bishop Anagbe serves, are particularly noted for being under jihadist attack, even with substantial indigenous Christian populations.

In March, Bishop Anagbe had previously informed Congress that since their last meeting, “thousands more people have been displaced,” with some abducted or enslaved. He described a harrowing attack that led to the displacement of an entire Catholic monastery right before Holy Week, emphasizing the targeted violence against Christians preparing for one of their most significant holidays. He noted that attackers often shout “allahu akbar,” suggesting a clear motive for their actions.

He recounted an incident from May in Benue, where one of his priests was shot and left for dead; although he survived, he is now unable to walk properly due to his injuries.

“This is the daily reality for many Christians in Nigeria. The violence continues to spread southward, displacing millions and worsening food insecurity,” he explained. He highlighted the increasing intensity of attacks by not just Fulani extremists but also Boko Haram and ISWAP, asserting that they’re moving south and targeting Christian communities with apparent ease.

Despite their hopes that President Trump’s CPC designation would stabilize conditions, the bishop stated that the situation has instead become one of the deadliest times for Nigeria historically.

Bishop Anagbe praised Trump on behalf of millions of Nigerian Christians and expressed appreciation for Congressman Smith’s ongoing advocacy for Nigerian Christians.

He insisted, however, that this designation needed to be followed by tangible actions.

Anagbe pointed out that the escalation of violence is more about the Nigerian government’s actions—or lack thereof—than the CPC designation itself. He emphasized that Nigeria is recognized as the most perilous place for Christians, citing that more believers are killed there annually than in the rest of the world combined. He criticized the Nigerian government for trivializing the genocide of Christians and failing to treat it as a pressing national issue.

“Who is responsible for the deaths of Muslims in the north? Are there Christian militias displacing millions of people and taking over land?” he questioned, expressing that the government’s inaction amid ongoing violence has fostered a sense of abandonment among the populace.

“The national leadership seems detached, treating the genocide of Christians lightly rather than as a crisis that needs immediate attention,” he continued. “This lack of political will risks undermining public trust and creates a perception of indifference.”

Bishop Anagbe offered several suggestions for actions to bolster support for vulnerable communities, suggesting that Trump’s designation could bring “immense joy and hope” to those under threat. Recommendations included leveraging the Global Magnitsky Act to sanction officials who do not address the violence, exerting pressure on Nigeria at the United Nations, and advocating for “political, military, and humanitarian intervention.”

He asserted, “America has a unique role in defending religious freedom worldwide.”

During the committee meeting, Jonathan Pratt from the State Department also affirmed the U.S.’s commitment to building a cooperative relationship with the Nigerian government, despite criticism over their response to attacks on Christians.

Pratt stated that the goal of the U.S. administration’s approach is to prioritize the protection of Christians, especially in the Middle Belt, asserting Nigeria’s importance as a regional partner and the largest democracy in Africa.

Furthermore, Jacob McGee, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, highlighted Nigeria’s shortcomings in dealing with religious law and enforcement against non-Muslims. He pointed out that blasphemy prosecutions violate Nigeria’s obligations to protect free speech, and such laws can lead to severe penalties.

McGee recounted incidents like the lynching of Deborah Yakubu, a Christian student, by a mob after she complained about a WhatsApp group that included Islamic content, showcasing the dire consequences of failing to uphold justice.