Benue State Catholic Bishop Wilfred Anagbe on Thursday implored US President Donald Trump to translate Nigeria’s renewed “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) designation into tangible measures against escalating violence targeting Christians, calling for targeted sanctions on complicit officials and conditional humanitarian aid to force security reforms.
Testifying before the US House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa, which is probing the CPC relisting, Anagbe hailed Trump’s move as “bold leadership” but warned it risks becoming hollow without enforcement, citing the trauma inflicted on survivors of attacks in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
“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 said. “It is a vital step, but must be backed by serious action.”
The Makurdi diocese head advocated invoking the Magnitsky Act for sanctions on Nigerian government figures “tolerating or condoning Islamic violence,” and linking security and aid to “measurable improvements” in protections for believers.
“Expand humanitarian support for IDPs. The IDPs must return to their ancestral homes, and this requires security guarantees from the Nigerian Government,” he urged, recounting the plight of a priest left unable to walk after a terrorist assault.
Anagbe accused Abuja of minimising casualties and abandoning victims, asserting Trump’s prior CPC tag — meant to stabilise the nation — instead “worsened the safety of Christians.”
The plea arrives amid heightened US scrutiny following Trump’s threats of aid cuts or intervention over alleged “Christian genocide,” with rights monitors documenting thousands of faith-linked deaths since 2015. Nigerian officials maintain the violence is criminal, not sectarian, but Anagbe’s testimony amplifies calls for accountability in Africa’s most populous country.
