BENUE KILLINGS: Makurdi Catholic Priests Raise Alarm Over Alleged Plot to Arrest Bishop Anagbe
MAKURDI/Nigeria: The Nigerian Catholic Diocesan Priests Association (NCDPA), Makurdi Diocese, has raised serious concerns over alleged moves to intimidate or arrest Most Rev. Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, CMF, the Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, upon his return to Nigeria, describing the rumours as a grave threat to freedom of expression, religious liberty, and justice in the country.
In a press statement signed by Rev. Fr. Joseph Terfa Beba on behalf of the priests of the diocese, the association condemned what it described as growing intimidation against the Bishop and Revd Fr. Remigius Ihyula, both of whom have been outspoken about the ongoing killings, violent displacements, and destruction of communities in Benue State and across the Middle Belt.
Bishop Anagbe has been a consistent and vocal critic of the persistent attacks on innocent citizens by suspected herdsmen and armed militias. He is widely regarded as a fearless advocate for justice, peace, and human dignity, using his pastoral office to amplify the plight of displaced persons and victims of violence in his diocese.
“It is deeply troubling to hear rumours 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,” the statement read.
The clergy stressed that Bishop Anagbe’s position is grounded in the gospel truth and the lived realities of thousands of affected citizens, noting that he has remained steadfast in championing the rights of the oppressed since his consecration as Bishop in 2014.
“Our people are being killed and driven from their ancestral homes daily. Where is the lie in what we have suffered since 2001?” the priests asked, recalling the trail of violence that has ravaged Benue communities for over two decades. “Homes and churches are burned down. Their livelihood is destroyed and eaten by cows. The Bishop is only speaking the truth, and the truth must not be criminalized.”
Of particular concern to the association is a March 28, 2025 warning received by Fr. Remigius Ihyula from a foreign embassy in Abuja, suggesting that an arrest warrant for Bishop Anagbe “might be” issued upon his return.
The priests, in their statement, issued five clear demands, including a categorical assurance of safety for the Bishop, a public commitment from the Nigerian government to respect his rights, and a call to religious leaders, civil society, and the international community to monitor the situation closely.
They also warned that targeting a religious leader for speaking the truth would amount to emboldening perpetrators of violence and deepening the existing wounds of injustice.
“We have intruders—Fulani killers and bandits—who don’t mean well for us. We want them out of our land. This is not about any personality; it is about the safety and freedom of our people,” the NCDPA stated.
“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,” they added.
Calling for national and international vigilance, the priests reaffirmed their loyalty and unwavering solidarity with Bishop Anagbe, declaring: “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.”
