Benue Killings: Catholic Priests weep over colleagues, worshipers

 

THE National President of The Nigerian Catholic Diocesan Priests, Rev. Father Sylvester Onmoke has condemned in very strong terms, the uprising in the Benue valley and wanton destruction of lives and properties by alleged foreign mercenaries masquerading as Fulani herdsmen.

In a statement on behalf of all Catholic Priests of Nigeria and Bishops Fr. Onmoke, bemoaned the killings of Reverend Fathers Joseph Gor and Felix Tyolaha and their parishioners at a morning Mass on Tuesday.

His statement is on behalf of the bishops who are out in Rome for a meeting with the Pope.

The two priests and over 13 worshipers were murdered in cold blood at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, Ukpor-Mbalom, Gwer East Local Government Area on Tuesday.

To this end, the National President of Nigerian Catholic Priests called on her members across Nigeria to embark on a nine day Novena prayer starting from today (Wednesday 25th April), for peace and justices in Nigeria.

Novena prayer in the Catholic faith is the recitation of prayers for nine consecutive days to achieve a specific purpose.

Fr. Onmoke also called on the government to put a halt to this assault on holy places of worship, murder of clergymen and worshipers.

According to him, “we are not in a failed state and government should rise up to its responsibility of protecting lives and property in the society”.