Bandits Kill Catholic Priest, Three Others In Benue

Gunmen suspected to be bandits have reportedly shot dead a Catholic Priest, Reverend Father Ferdinand Fanen Ngugban, in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

It was gathered that the bandits raided the community, setting mnany houses on fire before attacking St. Augustine Aye Twar parish in Katsina Ala LGA.

Confirming the killing of the priest, the Council Chairman of Kastina-Ala, Joseph Atera, said the bandits also killed three others.

But Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of Benue Command, DSP Catherine Anene, told Daily Trust that it was only the priest that was killed.

“Attack on St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Aye-Twar village, Agu centre in Kastina-Ala LGA by bandits is confirmed. Rev. Fr. Nguban Fanen lost his life during the attack.

“The corpse has been deposited at General Hospital, Kastsina-Ala while a joint operation of Police and other security agencies are on the trail of the hoodlums,” Anene said.

Meanwhile, suspected gunmen on Tuesday murdered a Chief Superintendent of Police identified as Benedict Okoh Ajide and other police officers in the Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom state.

According to SaharaReporters, the gunmen also killed military officers in the early hours of Tuesday.

The policemen and soldiers were said to be in the community for peacekeeping efforts.

A source said, “Unknown gunmen attacked some police officers and soldiers today. Their Hilux vans were also set ablaze.”