BLACK CHRISTMAS: GUNMEN KILL THREE IN EBONYI CHURCH
REPORTER: SUNDAY NWAMBAM
Suspected hoodlums have killed three worshippers at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Nkwoagu, Abakaliki Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, the Most Reverend Peter Nworie-Chukwu, announced this during Christmas church service at Saint Theresa’s Cathedral Abakaliki.
Bishop Nworie-chukwu explained that the gunmen invaded the church while the priest was celebrating vigil Mass to mark the birth of Jesus Christ and killed three worshippers and injured others.
Radio Nigeria gathered that the gunmen first stormed the church and shot at a worshipper in a move suspected to be an assassination attack.
As they were about to escape, they shot a d killed two security men who tried to accost them.
The gunmen later abandoned their guns in the tricycle they came in at the gate of the church and fled as the tricycle refused to start.
The Bishop described the incident as sad, disheartening and prayed for the repose of their souls.
Bishop Nworie-chukwu called on Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the service of humanity in line with the true teachings of Jesus Christ, which emphasises tolerance, patience, brotherly kindness, care for the needy and love for one another.
Confirming the incident on telephone, the Police Public Relations Officer Ebonyi State Police Command, Mr. Joshua Ukandu, he was yet to get the full details of the attack.
The PPRO said that the Command had already commenced investigations into the mather.
The attack is the first of its kind in the church in Ebonyi State during Christmas.
EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU
