Tears as Benue buries 2 Catholic priests, 17 parishioners allegedly killed by suspected herdsmen (photos)

Tears as Benue buries 2 Catholic priests, 17 parishioners allegedly killed by suspected herdsmen (photos)

Tears flow as two Catholic priests and 17 parishioners allegedly killed by suspected herdsmen were being buried in Makurdi, the Benue state capital on Tuesday, May 22.

The Punch reports that 19 victims of the attack were being buried at the Ayati pilgrim site near Ikpayongo in Gwer East local government area of the state.

Legit.ng gathered that the governor of the state, Samuel Ortom, has declared Tuesday, May 22, a work-free day to honour them.

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Tears as Benue buries 2 Catholic priests, 17 parishioners allegedly killed by suspected herdsmen (photos)
The remains of the priest and 17 other parishioners before they are buried in Benue state. Photo credit: Punch

It was gathered that a few weeks ago, suspected armed herdsmen had invaded Mbalon community and attacked St. Ignatius Catholic Church at Ayar Mbalom in Gwer East local government area of the state, killed two priests - Rev Fathers Joseph Gor and Felix Tyolaha and other 17 worshipers during early morning mass.

Tears as Benue buries 2 Catholic priests, 17 parishioners allegedly killed by suspected herdsmen (photos)
Security operatives at the mass burial of 2 Catholic priests, 17 parishioners allegedly killed by suspected herdsmen. Photo credit: Punch

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Tears as Benue buries 2 Catholic priests, 17 parishioners allegedly killed by suspected herdsmen (photos)
People of Benue at the mass burial of 2 Catholic priests, 17 parishioners allegedly killed by suspected herdsmen. Photo credit: Punch

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had previously reported that two religious leaders, on Friday, April 27, reacted separately in Imo state over the killing of Catholic priests and some church worshippers in Benue just as they also called for serious probe by the government into the matter.

Tears as Benue buries 2 Catholic priests, 17 parishioners allegedly killed by suspected herdsmen (photos)
Tears as Benue buries 2 Catholic priests, 17 parishioners allegedly killed by suspected herdsmen (photos)

Tears as Benue buries 2 Catholic priests, 17 parishioners allegedly killed by suspected herdsmen (photos)
Tears as Benue buries 2 Catholic priests, 17 parishioners allegedly killed by suspected herdsmen (photos)

Herdsmen attacks: Benue's Attorney-General explains anti-grazing law | - on Legit.ng TV

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Wale Akinola avatar

Wale Akinola Wale Akinola is a passionate journalist and researcher. He is the Head of Desk, Politics and Current Arts, Legit.ng. He holds both B. A and Master’s degree in Communications and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan. He also holds a Diploma Certificate in Peace Journalism. He has over 15 years of work experience in both print and online media. You can reach him via +2348054137974 or wale.akinola@corp.legit.ng.