April 10, 2025 – NewsOnline Nigeria | By [Your Name]
In a powerful and direct condemnation, former U.S. President Donald J. Trump has called out President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government over reported threats against Catholic priests in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region. Trump’s remarks come in the wake of allegations that Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and Rev. Fr. Remigius Ihyula are facing intimidation after their March 12 testimony before the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC) regarding human rights abuses and religious persecution in Nigeria.
Trump Defends Religious Freedom and Slams Intimidation Tactics
“The threats against these brave men of God are an affront to freedom, justice, and humanity,” Trump said in a statement released from his campaign office. “Religious leaders should be protected, not persecuted, for speaking the truth about what’s happening in their country. Silencing truth is a crime against humanity.”
The former president, known for his outspoken support for religious freedom globally, emphasized the role of the U.S. in standing with victims of religious oppression. “America must never stay silent when religious voices are being targeted and silenced anywhere in the world, especially in a nation we call a partner.”
U.S. Mission in Nigeria Raises Alarm
Backing Trump’s position, the U.S. Mission in Nigeria expressed deep concern over the alleged threats. In an official statement, the Mission said it was “disturbed by this report of intimidation and threats against Nigerian religious leaders Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and Rev. Fr. Remigius because of their March 12 testimony before the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee on the human rights situation in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.”
The testimony, which shed light on the escalating violence, targeted killings, and displacement of Christian communities, has since drawn international attention. Many believe it exposed a troubling pattern of inaction and complicity from state authorities, particularly in Benue State and neighboring regions.
Religious Leaders Under Threat for Speaking the Truth
Bishop Anagbe and Fr. Ihyula are widely respected for their unwavering commitment to justice and peace in a region plagued by communal violence, terrorism, and alleged government neglect. Their testimonies before Congress painted a chilling picture of unchecked atrocities, mass killings, and a humanitarian crisis that continues to worsen.
Speaking to international lawmakers, Fr. Ihyula described scenes of mass graves, orphaned children, and communities living in fear of armed militants. Bishop Anagbe, meanwhile, accused Nigerian authorities of doing little to stop the violence, suggesting that certain elements within the government may even be complicit in the persecution of Christian communities.
International Outrage Mounts
Human rights organizations, civil society groups, and faith-based institutions across the globe have rallied behind the two priests. The Vatican has reportedly requested a briefing on the situation, while Amnesty International has urged the Nigerian government to investigate the threats and ensure the safety of both religious leaders.
“This is not just a Nigerian issue—it’s a global human rights issue,” said Angela Reynolds, Director of Global Christian Defense (GCD). “When men of faith are persecuted for bearing witness to the truth, it threatens the very foundation of democracy and freedom.”
Calls for Tinubu Government to Respond
The Nigerian government, under President Tinubu, has yet to issue an official statement addressing the allegations of intimidation. Critics have accused the administration of attempting to silence dissent rather than tackle the root causes of the violence in the Middle Belt, including ethnic tensions, land disputes, and religious extremism.
Trump’s bold intervention is likely to increase pressure on the Tinubu-led government to take a clear stance on the safety of religious figures and the broader issue of religious violence.
Conclusion: A Moment of Reckoning for Nigeria
As the international community watches closely, the Tinubu administration faces a defining moment. Will it protect freedom of speech and religious expression, or allow intimidation to suppress truth and justice? The safety of Bishop Anagbe and Rev. Fr. Ihyula now rests in the hands of a government under growing scrutiny from both domestic and global audiences.
For a country already battling insecurity and economic challenges, this controversy adds to a mounting crisis of credibility—one that may shape Nigeria’s international image for years to come.
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