‘Use Magnitsky Sanctions’ – Benue Bishop Tells US Lawmakers on Nigeria Crisis

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Wilfred Anagbe, has urged the United States to accompany Nigeria’s renewed designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) with concrete, enforceable actions.

He made the appeal in Washington on Thursday while testifying before the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa, which is examining former President Donald Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a CPC.

“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,” Anagbe said. “It is a vital step, but must be backed by serious action.”

The bishop called for targeted punitive measures, including sanctions under the U.S. Magnitsky Act, for Nigerian government officials and individuals he accused of tolerating or condoning violent attacks.

“One, use the Magnitsky Act for targeted sanctions against Nigerian government officials and others tolerating or condoning Islamic violence in the country,” he told lawmakers.

He also urged the committee to insist on measurable progress from Nigerian authorities before approving security and humanitarian support.

According to the bishop, humanitarian assistance must be expanded, but it should lead to actual, sustainable resettlement for displaced communities.

“Expand humanitarian support for IDPs. The IDPs must return to their ancestral homes, and this requires security guarantees from the Nigerian Government,” he said.

He added that victims must be assisted to rebuild their lives, noting that displaced families continue to lack basic services.

“They must be supported to rebuild their economic livelihood and enjoy basic services such as education and sanitation,” Anagbe stated.

The bishop also urged Congress to support the proposed Nigerian Religious Freedom Accountability Act, describing it as crucial for ending longstanding impunity.

“Support this Act to hold perpetrators accountable. This point cannot be overemphasised because impunity fuels the violence we suffer,” he said.

Anagbe described the trauma faced by Christian communities in Benue, saying many victims still endure physical and emotional injuries. He recalled one priest who “cannot walk” after surviving a terrorist attack.

FG Accused of Downplaying Casualties

During his testimony, Anagbe accused the Nigerian government of minimising casualty figures and abandoning survivors of repeated attacks.

He argued that Trump’s earlier CPC designation “aimed to stabilise Nigeria” but “worsened the safety of Christians,” stressing that communities under siege see the renewed designation as a moral boost, but not a solution.

“Irrespective of who is being killed, the prime question is: are there killings in Nigeria? The government should stop it,” he said.

‘The Blood of Nigerian Christians Cries Out’

The bishop said the current crisis requires political, military, and humanitarian interventions from both Nigeria and the international community.

“Mr Chairman and members, the blood of Nigerian Christians cries out to you. We cannot afford to wait any longer,” he told the subcommittee.

“Use every tool of U.S. influence to demand change. America has a unique role in defending religious freedom globally. Please enact concrete action according to the CPC designation. We all know that inaction emboldens extremists even more.”

The committee is expected to hear from senior U.S. State Department officials and additional Nigerian religious leaders as the debate over the CPC designation intensifies.

The controversy escalated after Trump reinstated Nigeria on the CPC list on October 31, 2025, alleging systematic persecution of Christians. Pressed by reporters aboard Air Force One, he confirmed that military options were “under consideration.”

Nigerian Government Rejects Trump’s Claim

The Federal Government has strongly dismissed the allegations. President Bola Tinubu insisted that Nigeria remains committed to religious freedom.

“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty. The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our reality,” he said.

Global Voices Join Debate

American rapper Nicki Minaj also commented on the issue at a U.S. Mission to the United Nations forum on religious violence, saying, “No group should ever be attacked because of its faith.” She noted that her remarks were meant to unite people.

It is worth noting that Nigeria was first designated a CPC in 2020 under President Trump, before the designation was removed by former President Joe Biden shortly after he took office.