Over 15 Catholic Parishes Shut Down in Benue Amid Escalating Attacks

Over 15 Catholic Parishes Shut Down in Benue Amid Escalating Attacks

In Makurdi, Nigeria, more than 15 parishes under the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi have been forced to close following a wave of violent attacks on local communities by suspected armed herders.

The alarming development was announced on Sunday by Rev. Fr Joseph Beba, Chairman of the Nigerian Catholic Diocesan Priests Association (NCDPA) in Makurdi, during a press briefing at the Catholic Cathedral.

Catholic Priests Cry Out As Herdsmen Kill 50, Shut 15 Churches In Makurdi

According to Fr Beba, the affected areas, including Tse Orbiam, Ahume, Jimba, Nagi-Camp, Aondoana, Yelewata, and Abegana, have experienced coordinated assaults over the past two weeks, resulting in the deaths of more than 50 people, many of them women and children.

“Entire communities have been displaced, forcing the closure of over 15 parishes. In locations such as Jimba, Mbalom Yelwata, and Aondoana, both clergy and parishioners have fled for safety,” he said.

Fr Beba linked the recent surge in violence to the international advocacy efforts of the Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Most Rev. Wilfred Anagbe, who has spoken in the United States and Europe about the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

“These attacks are not coincidental. They are a reaction to Bishop Anagbe’s testimony abroad. The Church is under siege,” Fr Beba stated.

He also criticized the Nigerian military for what he described as an inadequate response, pointing out that attacks have occurred near military checkpoints without intervention. He referenced the May 24 assault on Rev. Fr Solomon Atongo, which happened just 3 kilometers from Naka and within 500 meters of an army checkpoint in Tse Orbiam.

Fr Beba appealed to President Bola Tinubu and Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia to take decisive action and declare a state of war against the armed herders. He reminded the public that Governor Alia had previously identified the attackers as foreign nationals.

Calling for community vigilance, he added, “The right to self-defence is inalienable. We urge our youth to be alert and ready to defend their faith, their land, and their heritage.”