Benue IDPs should return to ancestral homes, not be resettled — Bishop Anagbe

The Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Wilfred Anagbe, has urged authorities at all levels to prioritise the return of internally displaced persons, IDPs, in Benue State to their ancestral communities rather than adopting permanent resettlement as a solution.

Speaking during the 2026 Cathedradicum held at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Makurdi, the cleric said displaced persons in the state should be assisted to return to their homes and farms through improved security measures.

According to him, the most sustainable solution remains the restoration of peace in affected communities, especially in border areas, to enable displaced residents to resume farming and rebuild their livelihoods.

He noted that most of the displaced persons are farmers whose survival depends largely on access to their farmlands, stressing that relocating them to new settlements would not address their economic needs.

Bishop Anagbe also questioned the practicality of resettlement, warning that abandoning ancestral communities could expose such areas to further occupation by attackers.

The cleric decried what he described as attempts in some quarters to distort the narrative surrounding the killings in the state for political or personal interests.

Reflecting on his earlier warnings over the persistent attacks, he said he remained resolute despite criticism from some quarters.

According to him, his consistent advocacy was driven by the need to restore peace and allow affected residents to return to normal life.

He further called on governments at all levels to intensify efforts in protecting lives and property, while ensuring that communities under attack are secured.

The bishop also urged Christians to remain steadfast in prayer and uphold truth, honesty and sincerity, saying those values remain essential in confronting present challenges.

Earlier, Dean of the High Level Deanery in the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Peter Paleve, commended Bishop Anagbe for his humanitarian interventions and advocacy for displaced communities.

Paleve, who is also Chief Medical Director of Bishop Murray Medical Centre, disclosed that the bishop sponsored surgeries for over 250 displaced persons suffering from ailments including hernia and goitre.