Benue Attack: Markurdi Catholic Archdiocese Confirms Killing Of 2 Priests

Reverend father Moses Iorapuu, director of the Catholic Archdiocese of Makurdi, has confirmed the latest attack on Ayar Mbalom village in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State.

Iorapuu, who linked the attack to“Jihadists”, disclosed that two priests identified as Joseph Gor and Felix Tyolaha were killed when the gunmen opened fire on  St. Ignatius’ Catholic Church, Ayar-Mbalom, and parishioners who went for mass around 5 am on Tuesday.

He added that the suspects, burnt down homes, destroyed food items and killed as they wished while leaving many injured.

“Fathers Joseph Gor and Felix Tyolaha have been confirmed dead in the deadly attack by herdsmen early today on Mbalom village of St. Ignatius Quasi Parish Ukpor-Mbalom.

“In their classic style, they burn down homes, destroy food items and kill. The police seem to know nothing of the attacks which have been going on in other villages within Benue State since the Anti Open Grazing Law came into effect last year,” said the reverened.

The director described the priests death as a total destruction of what they stand for as the diocese is known to provide help to the needy.

 “What cannot be said at this point are the consequences of the death of missionaries in the silent killings that have been soloed by the government for over a year. 

”The diocese has been active in providing relief materials including education and skills acquisition lessons. To go for the priests means total destruction of everything we stand for and believe in!” he said.

The diocese equally expressed disappointment in what it described as the nonchalant attitude of the security officials towards the continuous killing in the state as they called on federal government to end the senseless killings in the state and the country at large.