Bandits on March 30, 2021 stormed a Cathelic church killing a priest, Rev. Fr. Moses Fanem Ngugban and three parishioners in Agu Centre, Mbatyula/Mberev council ward in Katsina-Ala local government area of Benue State.
The gunmen attacked around 7:00 am when the church was rounding off its morning mass.
The bandits attacked other houses in the community setting them ablaze.
An eyewitness account has it that the gunmen stormed the village around 7:00 am and demanded to see the parish priest.
The witness said: “We directed them to go inside but within split seconds we heard gunshots and everyone scampered for safety. By the time we came back, the Rev. Fr. and others were found dead.”
Katsina-Ala local government Chairman, Alfred Atera, who confirmed the incident in a statement, identified those killed alongside the priest as Mfave Tumachihi, Mbangohor Tsebo and Orlukaa Ulu.
“On 30th March 2021 at about 7-8 am unknown gunmen came and burnt a village called Agu Centre in Mbatyula/Mberev Council Ward in Katsina-Ala and killed Rev. Fr. Moses Ngugban and three others by name: Mfave Tumachihi, Mbangohor Tsebo and Orlukaa Ulu.” he said.
Spokesperson of the State Police Command, DSP Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident, saying that security operatives are on the trail of the gunmen.
She said: “Rv. Fr. Nguban Fanen and three others lost their lives during the attack. Corpses have been deposited at General Hospital Katsina-Ala while a joint operation of police and other security agencies are on the trail of the hoodlums.”
