‘The blood of Nigerian Christians is crying out’ – Benue Bishop Anagbe tells U.S. Congress

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Wilfred Anagbe, has called on the United States to follow up Nigeria’s renewed designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) with firm, practical measures.

He made the appeal on Thursday while addressing the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa, which is examining former President Donald Trump’s decision to return Nigeria to the CPC list.

Anagbe expressed gratitude on behalf of Nigerian Christians, saying Trump’s stance was “a bold move,” but stressed that symbolism must now give way to action.

He urged American lawmakers to invoke the Magnitsky Act to impose targeted sanctions on Nigerian officials and individuals who, according to him, enable or ignore violent attacks carried out by extremist groups.

He further asked the U.S. to tie any security or humanitarian support to clear, measurable improvements on the ground.

According to him, displaced Nigerians need increased aid, as well as safe conditions that will allow them to return home.

“IDPs must be able to return to their ancestral lands, and this can only happen when the Nigerian government guarantees their security,” he said, as reported by Vanguard.

He also pressed for international assistance to help victims rebuild their livelihoods and endorsed ongoing U.S. legislative efforts aimed at ensuring accountability.

“They need support to restart their economic lives and access basic services like education and sanitation.

Back this Nigerian Religious Freedom Accountability Act. Impunity is what fuels the violence we face,” he stated.

The Bishop told U.S. lawmakers that many victims in Benue are still deeply traumatised. He recounted the case of a priest who “can no longer walk” after surviving a terrorist attack, accusing the federal government of understating casualty figures and leaving survivors without help.

Anagbe argued that although Trump’s earlier CPC designation was intended to stabilise Nigeria, it coincided with an increase in attacks on Christian communities.

He said the renewed listing brought “joy and hope” but insisted that it alone cannot halt the bloodshed.

“Killings are happening in Nigeria—this is the reality. The government must stop it,” he stressed, adding that Nigeria’s crisis requires political, military and humanitarian interventions.

He appealed to the committee to use every available U.S. instrument to push for real change.

“The blood of Nigerian Christians cries out. America has a distinct responsibility in safeguarding global religious freedom. Act decisively according to the CPC designation. We all know that doing nothing only encourages extremists,” he warned.

The issue intensified after Trump officially reinstated Nigeria on the CPC list on October 31, 2025, alleging widespread persecution of Christians. He later told reporters aboard Air Force One that military options were being considered.

The Nigerian government has strongly denied Trump’s assertions.