“Take Heart, Your Grace”: Ogebe’s Message of Courage and Vindication to Bishop Anagbe Amid Fresh Massacres

By Mike Odeh James

Washington, D.C. — As Nigeria reels from renewed waves of deadly violence in Benue and Plateau States, attention turns once again to those who have dared to speak truth to power about the ongoing persecution of Christian communities. His Grace, Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, a bold voice for the voiceless and a fellow witness at the U.S. Congress, is one such individual now facing threats for his advocacy.

In a personal letter of solidarity, international human rights lawyer Emmanuel Ogebe expressed support for Bishop Anagbe amid recent intimidation, echoing concerns raised last week by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee. The congressman warned that both Ogebe and Bishop Anagbe have been targeted for shedding light on atrocities in Nigeria during their congressional testimonies.

“You have been one of the candid voices regarding this genocide,” Ogebe wrote. “Indeed, you are among the pantheon of humanity’s heroic humanitarians who prodded the conscience of mankind.”

Ogebe, a long-time advocate for Nigeria’s persecuted Christian communities, shared disturbing details of documented threats and diplomatic retaliation by the Nigerian Embassy in Washington against him personally for testifying before Congress. In one memo, embassy officials decried his advocacy as “trash-talking Nigeria,” and proposed punitive actions, including revoking his Nigerian passport.

Such actions potentially violate U.S. federal law, including statutes governing obstruction of congressional proceedings and retaliation against witnesses—offenses carrying penalties of up to 20 years in prison.

Meanwhile, back in Nigeria, the situation on the ground is dire. Since last week, over 100 innocent civilians have been killed in Plateau State alone. The violence has continued unabated this week with deadly attacks reported in:

Bassa LGA, Plateau State (Monday)

Otobi, Benue State (Tuesday)

Emichi, Benue State (Wednesday)

These tragic events underscore the very warnings that Bishop Anagbe and others have voiced for years—warnings that were often met with denial or suppression.

Despite the dangers, Ogebe and Bishop Anagbe remain resolute. “Even if they do not face earthly justice, divine justice will never elude them,” Ogebe wrote.

In closing, he offered words of faith and encouragement:

“These Egyptians you see today, you will see no more.”