The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor,yesterday wept visibly over the killing of two Catholic priests; Rev. Fathers Joseph Gor and Felix Tyolaha, one catechist and 14 worshippers in Benue State.
The victims were said to have attended Morning Mass at St. Ignatius’ Catholic Church, Ayar-Mbalom, in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State when they were attacked and killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
Reports had it that many of the villagers sustained serious injuries, just as nearly 50 houses were burnt during the attack.
Ezeokafor called for the immediate arrest of the perpetrators of the dastardly act, even as he wondered why such heinous crimes should be allowed to take place in the first instance.
“I am seriously pained. What manner of country is this? A country where some people are untouchables. A country where some people will be killing innocent citizens. Let me tell you, what we are witnessing today in this country is simply cordinated attacks against certain individuals and groups.
“This senseless killing of the innocent Nigerians are becoming a daily occurrence. Why can’t our government put a stop to these killings here and there? Is it not obvious that some people, somewhere are carrying a particular agenda? There is more to this than meets the eyes,” Bishop Ezeokafor said.
The Catholic prelate expressed deep sadness over the inability of the Nigerian government to secure her citizens from those he termed bloodsucking demons, saying that it appeared to him that a particular set of people were targeted.
Bishop Ezeokafor condoled with the entire Benue Catholic Community and Christians in general, especially those who lost dear ones in the sad incident.
The cleric while condoling with the victims’ families prayed for quick repose of their souls
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