Reported by: Ime Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Henry Owen
The Nigerian Catholic Diocesan Priests Association (NCDPA) from Makurdi Diocese has publicly expressed strong support for their Bishop, Most Revd Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, who recently spoke before the US Congress. On November 20, 2025, the Bishop condemned the ongoing attacks, violence, and killings targeting Christians and communities across Nigeria.
The Diocese describes these attacks as a form of genocide—deliberate efforts to destroy communities, their land, and their religious and cultural identity. Many churches and mission stations in the area have been destroyed or abandoned because of repeated violence. Priests have been shot, kidnapped, or killed while carrying out their duties, alongside their parishioners.
Hundreds of innocent people, including women, children, and the elderly, have been killed, often while sleeping. Thousands have been forced to leave their homes and now live in camps under harsh conditions, traumatized by the violence.
Entire communities and farmlands have been taken over by armed groups operating with little or no punishment. The local people, mostly farmers proud of their heritage, now find it extremely dangerous even to go to their farms or tend their land.
The situation is made worse by conflicting reports and denial from government officials, who are accused of downplaying or ignoring the crisis because of political reasons. The Diocese feels betrayed and abandoned by those responsible for their safety, despite evidence and eyewitness reports.
They stand with their Bishop, religious leaders like Pope Leo XIV, and traditional rulers such as the Tor Tiv, who have all spoken out against the suffering of the people. The Diocese insists they are being targeted without provocation, and their ancestral homes are being taken over by force.
They emphasize that this is not just a security problem but a humanitarian disaster and a grave injustice. The leaders criticize politicians who remain silent or deny the crisis, calling for truth, action, and accountability.
The Diocese is urging the Nigerian government—both at the federal and state levels—to sincerely and urgently protect lives and restore occupied communities. They also appeal to the international community not to turn away but to press Nigerian authorities to stop the killings, land grabbing, and occupation.
They demand real security measures, not just promises, including reclaiming occupied areas and allowing internally displaced families to return home. They call on the global church and all people of good conscience to pay attention to this unfolding humanitarian catastrophe.
While their hope remains in God, the leaders stress their duty to speak out, pray, and advocate for justice. They vow to keep fighting until displaced families can go back home, occupied communities are freed, and Christians in Nigeria can live and worship peacefully without fear.
The statement ends with a powerful appeal: “Together, let us insist that enough is enough.”
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