Gunmen killed Rev. Father, 3 others in Benue

By Titus Atondu, Makurdi

No fewer than four persons were killed by unknown gunmen in  the early hours of Tuesday at Mbatyula, Mberev Council ward in Katsina-Ala local government area of Benue State.

Nigerian NewDirect reports that  those killed are ; a  Catholic priest Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Fanen Ngugban and three(3) parishioners.

The  Executive Chairman of  Katsina-Ala local government  Council, Hon.  Alfred Atera  confirmed the incident via text message, disclosed that  unknown gunmen invaded the area and burnt down a village called Agu Centre.

He explained that in the process they also, killed the priest and three (3) others whose names were given as Mfave Tumachihi, Mbangohor Tsebo and Orlukaa Ulu.

An other source from the area who spoke to Nigerian NewDirect on condition  of anonymity, said the priest had finished morning mass and sat outside when the assailants shot him.

Police Public Relations ‘Officer DSP Anene Sewuese Catherine who confirmed the incident  in a statement said there was an attack on St. Paul’s Catholic Church , Sai, Katsina-Ala council by bandits during which Rev. Fr.  Ngugban Fanen was killed.

According to her the corpse of the priest 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.