The Nigerian Catholic Diocesan Priests Association (NCDPA), Makurdi Diocese, has expressed concern over the growing rumours surrounding the safety of Most Reverend Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, CMF, Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, and his priest, Reverend Father Remigius Ihyula, following the Bishop’s courageous and truthful statements on the persistent killings, violence, and displacement of innocent citizens in Benue State and across Nigeria.
The Chairman, NCDPA – Makurdi Diocese, Reverend Father Joseph Terfa BEBA, said that Bishop Anagbe, known for his unwavering commitment to justice, peace, and the sanctity of human life, has consistently speak out against the atrocities perpetrated against defenseless communities, especially in the Middle Belt region.
Joseph said: “His pastoral concern for the suffering and displaced, particularly the victims of violent herdsmen attacks and militia invasions, is not only a moral obligation but a clear response to the Gospel imperative of defending human dignity.
“His firm stance, rooted in truth and the Gospel of justice and peace, has awakened many to the urgent need for accountability and action. It is therefore deeply troubling to hear rumours suggesting that the Nigerian government may be planning to arrest or intimidate Bishop Anagbe upon his return to the country.
“If true, such actions would represent a dangerous affront to freedom of speech, religious liberty, and the fundamental right of a pastor to speak in defence of his flock.
“We, the Catholic priests of Makurdi Diocese, stand solidly with our Bishop. We affirm that Bishop Anagbe has spoken the truth, a truth which many suffer in silence. Our people are being killed and driven from their ancestral homes daily, with their livelihood destroyed and eaten by cows.
“Homes and churches are burned down. Where is the lie in what we have suffered since 2001, since becoming Bishop in 2014, the prelate has continued to advocate for justice in defence of his suffering people.
“We have intruders, the Fulani killers and bandits who don’t mean well for us, and we want them out of our land. This is not about any personality or personality, it is about the freedom and safety of our people. To target the Bishop for persecution would be to attack the truth itself and to deny the ongoing killings and sufferings of thousands of displaced persons whose lives have been upended by violence.
“On March 28, 2025, Fr. Remigius Ihyula received a message from an embassy in Abuja, Nigeria. The message transmitted to Fr Ihyula warned that there “might be” an arrest warrant for Anagbe upon his return to Nigeria.”
According to Joseph, NCDPA strongly condemned any attempt to harass, silence, or harm Bishop Anagbe or any other religious leader who dares to speak truth to power.
NCDPA also demanded the immediate assurance of safety and freedom for Bishop Wilfred Anagbe , both now and upon his return to Nigeria.
It calls on the Nigerian government and security agencies to respect his right as a citizen, a cleric, and a moral leader to speak on issues affecting his people without fear of arrest or harassment.
It also appeals to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), all religious leaders, civil society organizations, and the international community to be vigilant and proactive in ensuring that no harm comes to our Bishop and Revd Fr. Ihyula.
“Remind the authorities that silencing voices of conscience only deepen the wounds of injustice and emboldens perpetrators of violence,” said Joseph.
