-News/Comments
The Makurdi Catholic Diocese, Benue State, has alleged that the Federal government is planning to arrest its Bishop, Most Rev.Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, CMF, over his comments on incessant killings in Benue communities and other part of the country. The federal government is yet to respond, even as rumours going around had it that, the Bishop may be picked up on his return to the country for questioning by security agencies.
In a press statement released yesterday from the Nigerian Catholic Diocesan Priests Association, (NCDPA), signed by its chairman, Rev. Fr. Joseph Terfa Beba, said that, the association had to raise this concern because Nigeria is a funny country where rumours often time becomes reality.
The statement:
The Nigerian Catholic Diocesan Priests Association (NCDPA), Makurdi Diocese, wishes to express grave concern over the growing rumours surrounding the safety of Most Rev. Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, CMF , Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, and his priest, Revd Fr Remigius Ihyula, following the Bishop’s courageous and truthful statements on the persistent killings, violence, and displacement of innocent citizens in Benue State and across Nigeria .
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. His 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.
It is therefore 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.
We, the Catholic priests of Makurdi Diocese, 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.
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 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.
On March 28, 2025, Fr. Remigius Ihyula received a message from an embassy in Abuja, Nigeria. The message transmitted to Fr Ihyula warned that there “might be” an arrest warrant for Anagbe upon his return to Nigeria.
We therefore:
- Strongly condemn any attempt to harass, silence, or harm Bishop Anagbe or any other religious leader who dares to speak truth to power.
- Demand the immediate assurance of safety and freedom for Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, both now and upon his return to Nigeria.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
We remain united in prayer, solidarity, and unwavering support for our Bishop and for all victims of injustice across our land.
We stand with Bishop Wilfred Anagbe cmf.
We stand for truth.
We stand for justice.
We stand for the people of Benue State and all persecuted communities in Nigeria.
For breaking news, call +2348028592006, +2348148704264, email us: afrikanwatch122@gmail.com. Follow us on twitter: @afrikanwatchm, facebook: LinkedIn: Afrikanwatch Network Communications, afrikanwatch Network, instagram, @afrikanwatchm
