The two priests and worshippers murdered at St. Ignatius’ Catholic Church, Ayar in Benue state, were praying for a solution to the killings in the state, when suspected herdsmen struck on Tuesday.
This was revealed by Jude Ortese, a reverend father and chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, on Wednesday.
“The two priests will be buried with their worshippers and this is significant because they were praying together and seeking lasting solution to the unending killings, which had become a recurring decimal,” he said.
Ortese also disclosed that the 19 victims will be buried at Susugh Maria Pilgrimage Centre, Ayati, Ikpayongo, Gwer east local government area of the state.
He, however, warned against a situation where the people will have to defend themselves.
“We cannot go back to the primitive way of buying weapon to defend ourselves because out of million of Nigerians one person is elected to protect us and the person should perform his constitutional duty.
“Nigerians are paying taxes to be protected, so the federal government must protect our lives and properties,” he said.
The mass burial, he said, will hold on May 22.
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