Catholic priest, three parishioners killed in Benue

Gunmen

Gunmen on Tuesday killed a Catholic priest Rev. Fr Fanem Nguban and three parishioners in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

It was gathered that the gunmen stormed the village called Agu Centre in Mbatyula/Mberev council around 7:00am Tuesday when the church, St. Paul’s Catholic Church, was closing for morning mass.

The men asked after the senior priest and were directed. They soon opened fire when they found the priest.

The gunmen also reportedly set some houses ablaze.

Council chairman Alfred Atera identified the other victims as MfaveTumachihi, Mbangohor Tsebo and Orlukaa Ulu.

Mr Atera said, “On 30th March 2021, at about 7am to 8am, unknown gunmen came and burnt a village called Agu Centre in mbatyula /mberev council ward in Katsina-Alla and killed Rev Fr Moses Ngugban and three others by name: Mfave Tumachihi, Mbangohor Tsebo and Orlukaa Ulu.”

Benue police spokesperson Catherine Anene said: “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.”