Gunmen Attack the Village of Bishop Anagbe Amid Escalating Violence in Benue State

Gunmen Attack the Village of.Bishop Anagbe Amid Escalating Violence in Benue State

The home of Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, CMF of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, has reportedly come under attack by gunmen in what appears to be a continuation of violent assaults targeting Christian clergy and communities in Benue State.

This latest incident comes just hours after the attempted murder of Father Solomon Atongo, who remains in critical condition. The wave of violence, attributed to armed Fulani herdsmen, reached a new level of brutality with a devastating assault on Aondona village in Gwer Local Government Area.

In recent months, Aondona and surrounding communities have suffered repeated attacks, but eyewitnesses describe this as the most ferocious to date.

The whereabouts of the local parish priest, Father Peter Shima, and a group of Claretian Sisters remain unknown. Church officials and parishioners continue to pray for their safety, as communication from the affected areas has been severely disrupted.

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The attacks follow Bishop Anagbe’s recent testimony in the United States and Europe in March and April, where he spoke out against the systematic persecution of Christians in Nigeria. Since his international advocacy, sources say the frequency and severity of attacks have sharply increased.

Despite the escalating violence, Catholic Stars reports that neither the federal nor the Benue State government has issued a statement regarding the recent assaults, including the attempt on Father Atongo’s life and the abductions. This continued silence has drawn criticism from local leaders and human rights advocates.

Survivors from Aondona have fled into the surrounding bushes. Many are reportedly still in hiding, unable to communicate their locations due to fear, darkness, and trauma.