Gunmen Kill Two Priest, Eleven Worshipers At A Church In Benue

Gunmen have killed two priests and eleven worshippers at St. Ignatius’ Catholic Church, Ayar, Gwer East local government area of Benue state.

Director of the Catholic archdiocese of Makurdi Moses Iorapuu, confirmed the attack, to newsmen blaming suspected Herdsmen.

The gunmen were said to have opened fire on the worshipers after invading the church around 5am on Tuesday.

Some worshipers were also killed in the attack while many sustained injuries.

The deceased priests were identified as Joseph Gor and Felix Tyolaha.

A witness told Solacebase that a mammoth crowd thronged the Bishop Murray Medical Centre, Makurdi, to witness the depositing of the remains of those killed.

He added that many houses were burnt by the attackers.

“They (those killed) were brought in amid much wailing and sorrow from the crowd of mourners,” he said.

“The remains of the slain priests were an ugly sight to behold. Their killers butchered and mutilated their bodies hideously.

“Some of the locals who escaped the attack and fled to Makurdi were among the crowd at the hospital. There is war right here in Benue.”

Spokesman of Benue police command Moses Yamu,  could not be reached as of the time this report was filed as the Commissioner of Police Fatai Owoseni was said to be on field to oversee some situation.

The high rate of insecurity in Benue has been a source of concern to residents and the government.