Armed robbers attack Catholic church in Benue

Armed robbers early hours of Monday attacked the St. Augustine Catholic Church located in Demekpe suburb of Makurdi metropolis in Benue State.

Daily Trust gathered that the robbers also dispossessed the priest of the parish, Solomon Ukeyima Mfa of valuable items.

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The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Catherine Anene, has confirmed the attack on the church.

Anene in a WhatsApp message, stated that, “the robbery incident at St. Augustine Catholic Church Demekpe was reported. Case is under investigation please.”

Earlier, a Director of Social Communication of Makurdi Diocese of the Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Moses Iorapuu, told newsmen that the robbers invaded the parish at 2:00am on Monday.

Iorapuu said the parish priest, Mfa told him that, the robbers took away several items including, phones, ATM cards, shoes, drinks as well as undisclosed amount of money.

“The ones he saw did not cover their faces. They asked him for dollars but he told them he did not have any and so, they took away the money they could find amongst other items. He has reported to the police.

“Now, that they (robbers) have infiltrated the church and attacking priest, I do not understand. These are criminal elements who have come into Benue and operating freely. At every instance, whatever they took, they begged for forgiveness from the priest. They were taking the items and saying forgive us father,” the communication director further explained.