Armed robbers invade Catholic Church in Benue

From: Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

Undisclosed number of armed robbers yesterday attacked a Catholic Church, St. Augustine Catholic located in Demekpe area of Makurdi, Benue State capital.
The incident according to Director, Social Communication, Makurdi Diocese Rev. Fr. Moses Iorapuu who spoke on phone to newsmen, happened around 2am when the robbers invaded the Parish.
He said the Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Solomon Ukeyima Mfa told him that, the robbers took away several items including, phones, ATM cards, shoes, drinks as well as huge undisclosed amount of money.
“They 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.
“Now, that they(robbers) have infiltrated the Church and attacking Priest, 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.
Police Public Relations Officer DSP Catherine Anene said the robbery incident at St. Augustine Catholic Church Demekpe was reported to the Police and the case is 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.
Peoplesdaily gathered that the Hilux conveying the deceased persons who were reported to be returning from a holiday in Obudu Cattle Ranch, in Cross River State when it plunged into the river near a bridge.
The driver of the bus, it was learnt lost control of the vehicle and veered off into the river and got submerged immediately.