The Nigerian Catholic Diocesan Priests Association (NCDPA), Makurdi Diocese, has thrown its full weight behind the testimony of the Bishop of Makurdi, Most Rev. Wilfred Anagbe, who recently told the U.S. Congress that Nigeria should be designated a ?Country of Particular Concern? due to persistent, targeted attacks on Christians in Benue and beyond.

In a strongly-worded statement signed by its Chairman, Rev. Fr. Joseph Beba, the association said the suffering of communities in Benue ?bears every mark of genocide,? describing the violence as a deliberate and coordinated attempt to wipe out entire populations and seize their ancestral lands.

According to the priests, more than 20 churches and mission stations have been destroyed or abandoned following repeated attacks, with several priests shot, kidnapped, or killed while carrying out pastoral work. They said women, children, and the elderly have been murdered in their sleep, while thousands of survivors now live in traumatizing conditions across displaced persons? camps.

?Entire communities and farmlands have been taken over by armed invaders operating with impunity,? the statement noted.

The priests accused both federal and state authorities of downplaying and denying the crisis for political reasons, despite overwhelming evidence from victims and eyewitnesses.

?Instead of decisive action, our people are met with explanations that contradict lived realities. This is deeply disappointing. We feel wounded, abandoned, and bitterly betrayed by those entrusted with our safety,? the statement read.

Calling for urgent intervention, the NCDPA appealed to all levels of government to act with sincerity and decisiveness to protect lives, reclaim occupied communities, and restore dignity to displaced persons.

They also urged the international community not to ignore what they described as a worsening humanitarian catastrophe.

?To the global Catholic Church and all people of conscience, we appeal: do not look away. Continue to prevail on the Nigerian Government to rise to its constitutional duty?stop the killings, protect lives, and allow our people return home,? Fr. Beba stated.

The priests vowed to continue speaking out until justice is restored.

?We will keep crying out until every displaced family returns home and every occupied community is liberated. Enough is enough.? (Vanguard)

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