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FIRST ON FOX: A Nigerian bishop has encountered threats and his home village has suffered a deadly attack after he called on lawmakers during a congressional hearing in March for the cessation of violence against Christians.
Bishop Wilfred Anagbe reported in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital that following his testimony in Washington, there were four fatal attacks within just ten days by what he described as “terrorist Jihadists” in his diocese. This conflict area is critical, as it falls under his jurisdiction.
Nigeria ranks as one of the most perilous places on Earth for Christians, according to the NGO Open Doors International’s latest 2025 World Watch List. Out of 4,476 Christians killed globally during the most recent reporting period, 3,100 fatalities, which equate to 69 percent, occurred in Nigeria.
Open Doors U.K. elaborated in its statement that violence instigated by Jihadists remains on the rise in Nigeria. Christians in particular face targeted attacks from Islamic militant groups, including Fulani militants, Boko Haram, and the Islamic State West Africa Province.
A leader from one of the largest churches in Africa’s most populous nation, who chose to remain anonymous for security reasons and goes by the alias “Pastor Winyadebi,” shared concerns with Fox News Digital. He pointed out, “We have been subjected to continuous attacks; this is religious violence. The communities under siege are predominantly Christian communities.”
He added, “The aim of these Islamist militants is to ensure that Islam dominates every region. Their strategy involves systematically diminishing Christianity to elevate Islam as the primary religion, with aspirations for Sharia law to prevail across Nigeria.”
Bishop Anagbe’s Makurdi Diocese, located in north-central Nigeria, predominantly consists of Christians. Nonetheless, the relentless and increasing aggression from Islamist Fulani militants prompted him to testify at a congressional session in March.
Following his testimony, several foreign embassies in Abuja issued warnings to the bishop regarding credible threats to his safety. He was informed that upon returning to Nigeria from the U.S., he risked detention, alongside the possibility that “something might happen to him.”
This alarming situation led U.S. Representative Chris Smith from New Jersey, who hosted Bishop Anagbe during his congressional visit and serves as chair of the House Africa Subcommittee, to express his outrage. In a statement, he noted, “Reports suggest that Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and Father Remigius Ihyula, who testified with him, are facing threats allegedly linked to Nigerian government sources and affiliated organizations. These incidents reflect a concerning pattern of retaliation against those who speak out about religious freedom abuses in Nigeria.”
The U.S. Mission in Nigeria made a public statement on April 10 in support of the bishop’s right to speak freely and without fear of repercussions. They emphasized that both intimidation and threats had arisen as a direct result of his testimony on March 12.
Subsequent to this, the attacks grew in frequency and severity, with four incidents reported between May 23 and June 1.
Bishop Anagbe conveyed to Fox News Digital the grave situation, labeling the assaults as pure acts of terror against innocent villagers with the aim of seizing land and establishing dominance.
He recounted, “On May 23, one of my priests, Father Solomon Atongo, suffered a leg injury from gunfire by these terrorists, narrowly escaping death. On May 25, my village of Aondona endured an hours-long attack, resulting in over 20 fatalities, numerous injuries, and thousands displaced into makeshift camps.”
“Then on June 1, Naka town experienced a terrifying assault, leaving many dead and countless others displaced. Even those who had sought refuge in a nearby school were not spared. These terrorists are conducting a jihad throughout Nigeria, overtaking territories and renaming them as they go,” he continued.
Bishop Anagbe has long advocated against what he believes to be genocide, although in the past, some perceived his views through a political lens. He remarked, “After my testimony before Congress, nearly everyone in Nigeria has begun to see the truth of the situation for what it is.”
He concluded the interview with a stirring appeal, urging the global community to take action. He stated, “The world must learn from historical tragedies. The lessons of the Holocaust and the Rwandan genocide are relevant today. If we remain passive now, the consequences may dwarf those faced during the Rwandan genocide. Silence equates to complicity in the genocide or ethnic cleansing occurring in Nigeria.”
While the Nigerian government has not commented on inquiries from Fox News Digital, reports from the Catholic Herald indicate that the Nigerian Foreign Ministry reached out to the U.S. regarding the bishop’s testimony, stating they would investigate any allegations of threats or intimidation against religious leaders and take appropriate action.
