Unknown gunmen on Sunday night attacked Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Nkwagu, in Abakiliki Local government Area of Ebonyi state, killing three worshippers.
The Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, Most Rev. Peter Nworie, has condemned the killing on Christmas Eve by hoodlums during a vigil mass in the Area.
The Bishop who disclosed this on Monday at Christmas service at St. Theresa’s Cathedral Church, said that the killing occurred at about 11:30 pm.
The bishop described the incident as sad and disheartening and prayed for the repose of their souls.
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He explained that the suspected killers invaded the church while a priest was celebrating a vigil mass service, killed the victims and injured many others.
According to Nworie, such an unfortunate act had never happened in the church in the state.
“This is the first time such an incident has happened in the church and Ebonyi State in general,” the bishop noted.
Earlier, the cleric, in his sermon, encouraged people to align themselves with the significance and teaching of Christmas.
He urged the faithful to pray for the unity and progress of the state and nation.
All efforts to get reactions from the Ebonyi State Police Command Public Relations Officer, proved abortive as the command has yet to have a new spokesperson.
