Catholic Leaders Shared Unvarnished Truth about Attacks on Catholic Congregations
By Olikita Ekani
(Makurdi)— Benue Catholic Bishops on Saturday, December 6, 2025, chose to host U.S. Congressional delegation at the Bishop’s House Makurdi, declining a meeting at the Government House, the usual protocol. A Church insider told TruthNigeria that, the bishops sought a neutral venue to avoid “official interference or contradictions” during their engagement with the U.S. delegation. Past conflicts with the governor over interpretations of the violence influenced their decision.
Presenters included Bishop Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe (Makurdi Diocese), Bishop William Avenya (Gboko Diocese) and Bishop Isaac Dugu (Katsina-Ala Diocese). The U.S. delegation included Representatives Mario Díaz-Balart (Republican, FL), Norma Torres (Dem, CA); Scott Franklin (Rep, FL), Juan Ciscomani (Rep, AZ) and Riley Moore (Rep, WVA), accompanied by U.S. Ambassador Richard M. Mills.
The Catholic Church—which claims to represent more than 90 percent of Benue’s Christian population—provided the delegation with first-hand accounts and documentation relating to years of violent jihadist attacks across the state.
Why Bishops Rejected Government House Meeting
Relations between the Catholic Church and Governor Hyacinth Alia, a former Catholic priest, have become strained. Church leaders, led by the outspoken Bishop of Makurdi Catholic Diocese, insist that the killings across Benue State amount to systematic persecution by armed Fulani Ethnic Militias—a trend they say has been ongoing since 2013.
Governor Alia, however, has repeatedly downplayed casualty figures, a stance that contributed to public outrage such as the incident in Zaki-Biam in April 2025, where residents confronted him over what they described as an underreporting of terror statistics. The Governor has also dismissed claims of religious persecution .
Despite extensive reports, video evidence and survivor testimonies, the governor maintains that no religious genocide exists in the state.
Direct Challenge to the Governor’s Narrative — Analyst
Security analyst Tivta Samuel described the bishops’ action as “a rare but clear public challenge” to Governor Alia’s version of events.
“The governor insists that the killings lack religious motivation, but Church leaders presented evidence showing targeted attacks on Christian communities and clergy,” Tivta told TruthNigeria. “This clash of narratives has been building for a long time.”
World Finally Paying Attention: Expert
Friday Agbo, Managing Director of Alterconsult Thinktank said the visit signals growing international concern.
“This is more than a courtesy call. It shows the world is listening to what the people of Benue have been reporting for years,” he said.
Agbo added that the U.S. delegation’s decision to meet religious and traditional leaders directly demonstrates a lack of confidence in official government accounts.
“The presence of a high-level fact-finding mission puts Nigeria under global scrutiny,” he said.
“It tells authorities that accountability is no longer a domestic matter alone.”
Agbo also highlighted the emotional significance of the visit, especially for displaced families.
“Victims feel empowered. The visit tells them their pain matters—even when their own government appears unwilling to acknowledge it.” He further noted that the bishops’ stance would likely shape how the delegation compiles its final report.
“It shows the Church prioritizes truth over political optics and no longer trusts the government’s narrative.”
Trump Factor Looms
The U.S. delegation’s findings may harden President Donald Trump’s emerging position on Nigeria, warned retired Chief Superintendent of Police Francis Imanche.
He referenced the sudden travel ban imposed on certain Nigerian officials shortly after Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, met U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
“This visit may result in even tougher recommendations against Nigeria,” Imanche told Truthnigeria.
Imanche cautioned that Trump’s rhetoric on jihadist activity should not be dismissed.
“If Trump says he will deal with the jihadists, he means it. The U.S. has used drones and special forces in Somalia, Mali, and Niger. They could do the same in Nigeria—with or without Abuja’s endorsement.”
Intervening in Nigeria without the full cooperation of the Nigerian government, a U.S. ally, is not under consideration, according to a former intelligence official speaking to TruthNigeria on background.
U.S. Delegation Reviews Evidence Across Benue
The American team examined Church-compiled casualty figures, eyewitness accounts, and records of destroyed worship centers across affected communities, including:
* Guma
* Gwer West
* Kwande
* Logo
* Agatu
* Ohimini
* Otukpo
Members of the delegation said their findings would guide recommendations to Washington on humanitarian assistance, security coordination, and diplomatic engagement.
As part of their wider consultations, the delegation also met the Traditional Ruler of the Tiv tribe, His Royal Majesty Prof. James Ayatse, and held additional discussions with Bishop Anagbe.
The bishops’ refusal to meet the U.S. delegation at the Government House suggests a turning point in the long-standing dispute between the Benue Catholic Church and the state government. Their decision underscores deepening mistrust, divergent narratives, and draws significant international attention to the crisis in Benue State.
Ekani Olikita is a Conflict Reporter for TruthNigeria.
