St. Augustine Catholic located in Demekpe area of Makurdi, Benue State capital, has been attacked by armed robbers.
The robbers who attacked the church around 2a.m on Monday, made away with huge cash and other valuables belonging to the church and the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Solomon Ukeyima.
Speaking to newsmen in Makurdi, the Director, Social Communication, Makurdi Diocese, Rev. Fr. Moses Iorapuu said the robbers begged the Priest for forgiveness at every item they picked.
Iorapuu told Journalists on phone that the Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Solomon Ukeyima told him that, the robbers took away several items including, phones, ATM cards, shoes, drinks, as well as huge 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.”
The Communication Director expressed worry over the attack saying “Now, that they (robbers) have infiltrated the Church and attacking Priests, I do not understand. These are criminal elements who have come into Benue and operating freely.
“At every instance, whatever the took, they begged for forgiveness from the priest. They were taking the items and saying forgiveness us father,” he said.
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Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relation Officer, in the state, DSP Catherine Anene said the robbery incident at St. Augustine Catholic Church Demekpe was reported and the case was still under investigation.
In another incident, at least four persons lost their lives when a Hilux van carrying them plunged into the Tyo-Mu River near Air Force base in Makurdi last Sunday.
Our correspodent gathered that the deceased persons were reportedly returning from a holiday at Obudu Cattle Ranch, in Cross River State when their bus plunged into the river near the bridge.
The driver of the bus, it was learnt lost control of the vehicle and veered off into the river and got submerged immediately.
As at the time of filing this report, only one body was said to have been recovered.
