According to a report from a Nigerian newspaper Online, unidentified individuals entered a Catholic Church in Ebonyi State and fatally injured three worshippers.
As per an anonymous source within the community, the attackers assaulted the church around 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, causing the casualties.
The unfortunate event unfolded at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church near the Nkweagu Market, located in the Abakaliki Local Government Area of the state.
The source disclosed, “They contacted one of the victims, a well-known PoS operator at Nkwuagu Market, and instructed him to leave the church. Upon exiting, he was shot and killed.”
The incident triggered panic and mourning within the community on Monday. Economic activities in the area, particularly at the bustling Nkwuagu Market along the Abakaliki/Afikpo Expressway, were disrupted even on Christmas Day.
Attempts to reach the Ebonyi State Police Command for a statement on the matter were unsuccessful as of Monday night.
Despite efforts to contact Commissioner for Police, CP Augustina Ogbodo, and Police Public Relations Officer, SP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, they did not respond to calls or messages.
Most Rev. Peter Nworie, the Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, condemned the violence, describing it as distressing. He offered prayers for the souls of the victims.
The bishop recounted that the assailants struck during a priest’s vigil mass service, causing fatalities and injuries.
“This marks the first occurrence of such violence within the church and in Ebonyi State at large,” the bishop lamented. He urged adherence to the significance and teachings of Christmas and called upon all Catholic faithful to pray for the unity and progress of the state and nation.
Last modified: March 8, 2024
