Exclusion of Bishop Anagbe from Presidential Visit Sparks Outrage in Benue
TEC News! 20th June 2025
The recent exclusion of the Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Most Rev. Wilfred Anagbe CMF, from the protocol list for President Bola Tinubu’s scheduled visit to Benue State has drawn sharp criticism and concern from religious and civil society stakeholders.
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Benue State chapter, voiced strong dissatisfaction over what has been described as a “questionable decision” by the presidency. The Bishop, known for his outspoken advocacy for victims of terrorism and attacks by armed herdsmen, has been a prominent voice in highlighting the crisis plaguing the Middle Belt region.
Bishop Anagbe’s diocese has borne the brunt of terrorist violence, including the recent Yelewata massacre, which claimed many lives and displaced scores. His previous testimonies before the U.S. Foreign Affairs Department and other international bodies reportedly triggered threats against him, further underlining the gravity of the issues he has helped expose.
Observers argue that Bishop Anagbe’s exclusion from the president’s visit undermines the search for lasting solutions to the security crisis. His home village, Aondona, was attacked following his international testimony, leading to the death of over 50 residents. In 2018, two priests were killed, and more recently, another priest, Father Solomon Atongo, was attacked and remains in recovery.
TEC News gathered that some concern persons emphasized that the Bishop’s firsthand experiences and deep knowledge of the local security dynamics would be invaluable to President Tinubu as he seeks to engage stakeholders during his Benue visit. It noted that the Diocese currently hosts numerous internally displaced persons (IDPs), further underscoring the Bishop’s integral role in relief, advocacy, and community healing efforts.
Bishop Anagbe was also credited with drawing international attention to the crisis, with Pope Leo XIV referencing his reports and the Yelewata massacre in global advocacy efforts. His influence was said to have contributed to President Tinubu’s decision to visit Benue.
Critics have questioned the government’s sincerity in addressing the root causes of the violence if critical voices like Bishop Anagbe are sidelined. “Who better to brief the president than someone who has lived and documented the tragedy?” the article queried.
Despite the visit has come and gone, many are urging the government to consider voices like Bishop Anagbe’s in meaningful dialogue to ensure that lasting peace, justice, and reconciliation are achieved in the embattled region.
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