The Nigerian Catholic Diocesan Priests Association (NCDPA) of Makurdi Diocese has backed Bishop Wilfred Anagbe in his testimony before the U.S. Congress, describing the ongoing violence in Benue State as genocidal.

In a statement released by Revd. Fr. Joseph Beba, Chairman of NCDPA, the priests condemned the sustained attacks, killings, and displacement of Christians and entire communities in Benue and other parts of Nigeria. They emphasized that the violence shows all the characteristics of genocide—a deliberate, calculated effort to eliminate communities and seize ancestral lands.

“More than 20 churches and mission stations have been destroyed or abandoned due to repeated attacks. Priests have been shot, kidnapped, and even killed alongside their parishioners while performing pastoral duties. Hundreds of our people, including women, children, and the elderly, have been murdered in their sleep. Thousands have been displaced, forced into camps under harsh conditions, and entire communities and farmlands occupied by armed invaders operating with impunity,” the statement said.

The priests criticized both federal and state authorities for denying or downplaying the crisis, calling such actions politically motivated and harmful to victims.

“Instead of decisive actions and acknowledgment of the crisis, our people are met with explanations that contradict lived realities, statistics, and eyewitness accounts. We feel wounded, abandoned, and bitterly betrayed by those entrusted with our safety,” Fr. Beba added.

The association called on the Nigerian government to act urgently, urging both federal and state authorities to protect lives, restore occupied communities, and ensure displaced persons can return home safely.

“We also appeal to the international community and the global Catholic Church to raise awareness and intervene in what is a humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Nigeria. We will continue to speak, pray, and advocate until justice is done, until every displaced family returns home, and until every Nigerian Christian can worship freely without fear,” Fr. Beba said.