Nigerian Bishop Demands Action on Religious Persecution
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Wilfred Anagbe, has made a powerful appeal to the United States government to support Nigeria's designation as a Country of Particular Concern with tangible, enforceable measures. Testifying on Thursday, November 20, 2025 before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Africa, Bishop Anagbe expressed gratitude for the renewed classification but emphasized the urgent need for concrete action.
Call for Targeted Sanctions and Humanitarian Support
During his testimony, Bishop Anagbe specifically called for the implementation of the Magnitsky Act to impose targeted sanctions against Nigerian government officials and others who tolerate or condone Islamic violence in the country. He stressed that the CPC designation alone is insufficient without decisive follow-up measures.
"On behalf of millions of Christians in Nigeria and in the diaspora, we want to thank President Donald Trump for his bold leadership in designating Nigeria as a CPC. I commend you and this subcommittee for ongoing efforts on this matter," Anagbe stated. However, he immediately added that "it is a vital step, but must be backed by serious action."
The bishop outlined several critical demands, including:
- Using the Magnitsky Act for targeted sanctions
- Tying U.S. security and humanitarian support to measurable improvements
- Expanding humanitarian support for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
- Supporting the Nigerian Religious Freedom Accountability Act
Accountability and Reconstruction Needs
Bishop Anagbe emphasized the crucial need for IDPs to return to their ancestral homes with security guarantees from the Nigerian Government. He also highlighted the importance of rebuilding economic livelihoods and ensuring access to basic services such as education and sanitation for affected communities.
"They must be supported to rebuild their economic livelihood and enjoy basic services such as education and sanitation," he told the subcommittee members.
The religious leader strongly advocated for the Nigerian Religious Freedom Accountability Act, noting that "impunity fuels the violence we suffer." He recounted the suffering of Christian communities in Benue State, revealing that many remain traumatized by ongoing violence.
Government Response and International Reactions
Bishop Anagbe accused the Nigerian federal government of downplaying death tolls and abandoning survivors of religious violence. He shared heartbreaking accounts, including that of a priest who "cannot walk" after surviving a terrorist attack.
The controversy surrounding Nigeria's CPC designation has drawn reactions from various quarters. The Nigerian government, under President Bola Tinubu, has strongly rejected the claims of religious persecution. Tinubu asserted that "Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty."
International figures have also weighed in on the matter. American rapper Nicki Minaj commented during a U.S. Mission to the United Nations event, stating that "no group should ever be attacked because of its faith" and emphasizing that her remarks were intended to promote unity.
The U.S. House Subcommittee on Africa is expected to continue hearing testimonies from senior U.S. State Department officials and other Nigerian religious leaders as the debate over Nigeria's religious freedom record intensifies.
Bishop Anagbe concluded his emotional testimony with a powerful appeal: "Mr Chairman and members, the blood of Nigerian Christians cries out to you. We cannot afford to wait any longer. Use every tool of U.S. influence to demand change."
