Catholic Priests in Nigeria Concerned about Safety of Bishop Anagbe of Makurdi Diocese after Speaking “truth to power”

The Local Ordinary of Makurdi Diocese, who has been vocal about a genocide targeting Christians in Nigeria amid closure of Catholic Parishes across his Episcopal See and multiple displacements owing to heighted activities of Islamist Fulani herdsmen told the U.S. House that designating Nigeria as a CPC will ensure that the Nigerian government accounts for the situation of Christians in the country.

He went on to recount the situation in Northern Nigeria that is witnessing an increasing number of kidnappings of Catholic Priests for reasons other than ransom, as well as the forceful closure of all schools in some parts of the region, including Catholic institutions, for the whole period of Ramadan.

The speech attracted a backlash from Muslim leaders in the country, who described the Catholic Bishop’s testimony as “unsubstantiated”. On its part, in a March 14 statement, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the country as “a beacon of religious tolerance and coexistence in Africa”.

The Nigerian Ministry went on to “strongly reject” attempts to “wrongly designate” the country that is Africa’s most populous nation.

On March 28, Fr. Remigius Ihyula of Makurdi Diocese reportedly received a message from an embassy in Abuja, warning “there might be” an arrest warrant for Bishop Anagbe upon his return to Nigeria.

A report published on April 9 indicates that Bishop Anagbe was in Scotland, where he delivered a keynote address at a conference that the Catholic Charity Foundation, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) International, organized. 

The Conference reportedly focused “on the plight of Christians in Africa, particularly in northern Nigeria, where violence and religious persecution continue to claim innocent lives.”

In their April 10 statement, NCDPA members warn against any attempts to harass or arrest Bishop Anagbe or Fr. Ihyula, the Nigerian Catholic Priest known for his humanitarian work with displaced persons.

“It is deeply troubling to hear rumors suggesting that the Nigerian government may be planning to arrest or intimidate Bishop Anagbe upon his return to the country. If true, such actions would represent a dangerous affront to freedom of speech, religious liberty, and the fundamental right of a pastor to speak in defense of his flock,” Catholic Priests in Nigeria say.

They “strongly condemn any attempt to harass, silence, or harm Bishop Anagbe or any other religious leader who dares to speak truth to power.”

“Bishop Anagbe, known for his unwavering commitment to justice, peace, and the sanctity of human life, has consistently used his prophetic voice to speak out against the atrocities perpetrated against defenseless communities, especially in the Middle Belt region,” NCPDA members further say.

They note that Bishop Anagbe’s “pastoral concern for the suffering and displaced, particularly the victims of violent herdsmen attacks and militia invasions, is not only a moral obligation but a clear response to the Gospel imperative of defending human dignity.”

“His firm stance, rooted in truth and the Gospel of justice and peace, has awakened many to the urgent need for accountability and action,” NCPDA members say.

They make known their solidarity with the Clergy of Makurdi Diocese, who NCPDA members say “stand solidly with our Bishop. We affirm that Bishop Anagbe has spoken the truth, a truth which many suffer in silence.”

“Our people are being killed and driven from their ancestral homes on a daily basis, with their livelihood destroyed and eaten by cows. Homes and churches are burned down. Where is the lie in what we have suffered since 2001, and since becoming Bishop in 2014, the Prelate has continued to advocate for justice in defence of his suffering people,” NCPDA members further say.

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They continue, “We have intruders, the Fulani killers and bandits who don't mean well for us, and we want them out of our land. This is not about any personality or personalities; it is about the freedom and safety of our people.”

“To target the Bishop for persecution would be to attack the truth itself and to deny the ongoing killings and sufferings of thousands of displaced persons whose lives have been upended by violence,” NCPDA members say.

In their April 11 statement, Catholic Priests in Nigeria demand the “immediate assurance of safety and freedom for Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, both now and upon his return to Nigeria.”

They call on the Nigerian government and security agencies to “respect his right as a citizen, a cleric, and a moral leader to speak on issues affecting his people without fear of arrest or harassment.”

NCPDA members also appeal to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), all religious leaders, civil society organizations, and the international community to “be vigilant and proactive in ensuring that no harm comes to our Bishop and Revd Fr. Ihyula.”

They remind the authorities that “silencing voices of conscience only deepens the wounds of injustice and emboldens perpetrators of violence.”

“The voice of the shepherd must not be silenced. The cry of the oppressed must not be ignored. Truth is not a crime and so must never be criminalized. Advocacy for peace and justice should never be met with repression,” NCPDA members emphasize.

They add, “We stand with Bishop Wilfred Anagbe. We stand for truth. We stand for justice. We stand for the people of Benue State and all persecuted communities in Nigeria.”

“We remain united in prayer, solidarity, and unwavering support for our Bishop and for all victims of injustice across our land,” NCPDA members implore.