Bishop Anagbe Slams "Republic of Liars," Demands Justice for Benue IDPs in Scathing Epiphany Message


-By Ruben Mario Brodrick 

​MAKURDI, NIGERIA — In a powerful and provocative New Year message marking the Solemnity of the Epiphany, the Catholic Bishop of Makurdi, Most Rev. Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe, CMF, has launched a blistering critique of government deception and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Benue State.

​Under the theme "The Dawn on Our Darkness," the Bishop’s message serves as both a spiritual reflection and a fierce social manifesto, calling out political leaders for what he describes as "tokenistic politics" while thousands of citizens remain displaced by violence.

​"A Republic of Liars"

​The most striking portion of the Bishop's address focused on recent claims regarding Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). Bishop Anagbe openly challenged statements made by the State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, who recently claimed that all IDPs had returned to their ancestral homes.

​"What a shameful and disgusting outing," the Bishop declared. "This only tells us that we live in a ‘REPUBLIC OF LIARS,’ where a leader tells lies freely as though they are taking a cup of tea."


​He questioned the integrity of leadership that claims camps are empty while indigenous populations remain "stranded in the manger" of displacement, suggesting that such rhetoric only adds "salt to injury" for those who have lost everything.

​The Failure of "Political Messiahs"

​Bishop Anagbe warned his congregation and the wider public against the lure of "tokenistic politics." He cautioned voters not to be swayed by temporary gifts—such as bags of rice, salt, or small amounts of money—offered during festive seasons and election cycles.

  • ​The Critique: Leaders offer small respite while ignoring the core issue of reclaiming indigenous lands.
  • ​The Call to Action: Christians must reject "political messiahs" who play games with lives and instead demand the restoration of human dignity and safety.

​Spiritual Light vs. Social Darkness

​The Bishop drew a sharp parallel between the biblical darkness before the birth of Christ and the current socio-political and economic "darkness" facing Nigeria. He argued that:

  • ​Intentional Discipleship: Baptized Christians, especially those in government, must act as "agents of transformation" rather than passive observers.
  • ​A "Calculated Genocide": He highlighted the "daily and calculated genocide" facing the persecuted Church and the suffering masses in Benue and Nigeria at large.
  • ​The Litmus Test of Faith: True "light" is achieved only when a person looks at their neighbor and recognizes a brother or sister, regardless of status.

​A Plea for the Displaced

​Concluding his message, Bishop Anagbe urged the faithful to make room in their "compassionate hearts" for the bruised and hurting. He emphasized that the Christmas message of Immanuel (God with us) is meaningless if the society continues to tolerate the dehumanization of its people.

​"May we become bearers of the Light to get people out of darkness, out of IDP camps... and out of the shadow of death," he prayed, calling for a future where Benue citizens can finally return to their ancestral farmlands with dignity.

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