Bishop faces deadly backlash after testimony on Christian persecution in Nigeria

In Nigeria, Bishop Wilfred Anagbe has been threatened following his testimony before Congress in March 2025, where he appealed to lawmakers for action against the ongoing violence faced by Christians in the country. His testimony highlighted the alarming rate of Christian killings, with an estimated 3,100 out of 4,476 worldwide deaths of Christians occurring in Nigeria, according to Open Doors International. In the wake of his congressional hearing, Anagbe's home village was brutally attacked, resulting in the deaths of over 20 individuals and the displacement of thousands, as Islamic militant groups intensified their violent campaigns against Christian communities. Following Anagbe's distressing account of the escalating violence in Nigeria's Benue State, the situation deteriorated rapidly. Four significant attacks occurred in just a few days, with many innocent villagers becoming victims of terror. The bishop reported that his diocese had become a battleground where Islamist extremists aimed to seize control of Christian lands and impose strict Islamic law. Reports from credible sources, including the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, condemned the threats made against him and highlighted the necessity of protecting religious leaders speaking out against persecution. Despite warnings from foreign embassies in Abuja regarding credible threats against the bishop, including potential detention upon his return from the U.S., the Nigerian government has yet to comment on these developments. This silence and lack of action raise concerns about the safety of those who testify or report on religious freedoms and violence in Nigeria. In conclusion, the attacks on Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and his community not only illustrate the plight of Christians in Nigeria but underscore the dangerous repercussions of advocating for religious freedom in a country where extremist groups seek to impose their ideology through violence and intimidation. The global community must take note of these events and advocate for the safety of religious minorities and the rights of those who stand up against persecution.