U.S. sounds alarm over shocking threats to Nigerian religious leaders

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The U.S. Mission in Nigeria has expressed deep concern over reports of intimidation and threats against prominent Nigerian religious leaders, Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and Reverend Father Remigius, following their testimonies before the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC) on March 12.

The two clerics had shared detailed accounts of the human rights situation in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, a region plagued by violence and insecurity.

In a statement issued earlier today, the U.S. Mission condemned these actions, reaffirming its commitment to freedom of expression as a fundamental human right and an essential pillar of democracy, both in Nigeria and globally.

“We are disturbed by reports of intimidation and threats against Bishop Wilfred Anagbe and Reverend Father Remigius,” the U.S. Mission stated on its official Twitter account (@USinNigeria).

“These individuals were exercising their right to freedom of expression, a right that should be protected, not punished.”

The statement continued: “No one should be subject to threats for exercising that right. We call on all actors to respect Bishop Anagbe’s and Father Remigius’s right to speak freely without fear of retribution or retaliation.”

Bishop Anagbe and Father Remigius had given testimony before the HFAC, highlighting the dire human rights violations taking place in the Middle Belt, where religious and ethnic violence has resulted in the deaths of countless civilians.

Their testimonies shed light on the struggles of local communities, which have been caught in the crossfire of ongoing conflicts involving both armed groups and state actors.

The U.S. Mission’s strong stance comes at a time when the protection of human rights in Nigeria is under increasing scrutiny, particularly in regions affected by violent extremism and inter-communal violence.

The intimidation of religious leaders who speak out on these issues has raised alarms both within Nigeria and internationally.

The U.S. Mission’s call for respect for the rights of these religious leaders is seen as an important reminder of the broader international commitment to safeguarding freedom of speech and human rights.

In closing, the U.S. Mission reiterated its unwavering support for human rights defenders worldwide.

“The ability to freely express opinions and share information without fear of retribution is a cornerstone of any functioning democracy. We stand by Bishop Anagbe and Father Remigius and call for an end to any attempts to silence them.”