In Agu Centre, Mbatyula/Mberev council ward in Katsina-Ala local government area of Benue State, gunmen killed a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Moses Fanem Ngugban, and three parishioners.
The incident is said to have occurred around 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 30, as the church was wrapping up its morning mass.
Several homes were said to have been set ablaze during the gunmen’s alleged attack.
The gunmen raided the village around 7:00 a.m., according to a resident who spoke to the Nigerian Tribune. They requested to see the parish priest.
“We directed them to go inside but within split seconds we heard gunshots and everyone scampered for safety. By the time we came back, the Rev. Fr. and others were found dead” he said.
Mfave Tumachihi, Mbangohor Tsebo, and Orlukaa Ulu were among those killed alongside the priest, according to Katsina-Ala local government Chairman Alfred Atera, who confirmed the incident in a tweet.
“On 30th March 2021 at about 7-8 am unknown gunmen came and burnt a village called Agu Centre in Mbatyula/Mberev Council Ward in Katsina-Ala and killed Rev. Fr. Moses Ngugban and three others by name: Mfave Tumachihi, Mbangohor Tsebo and Orlukaa Ulu.” he said.
DSP Catherine Anene, a spokesperson for the State Police Command, confirmed the incident, adding that security operatives are on the lookout for the gunmen.
“Rv. Fr. Nguban Fanen and three others lost their lives during the attack. Corpses have been deposited at General Hospital Katsina-Ala while a joint operation of police and other security agencies are on the trail of the hoodlums”.
(The Gozette)
