A Catholic Priest has been reported dead following an attack on St.Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church, Malumfashi on Thursday unidentified gunmen.
It was gathered that the gunmen invaded the church compound around 11 pm and headed for the residences of two Catholic priests located inside the premises with an intent of abduction.
The victims identified as Reverend father Alphonsus Bello and Reverend father Joe Keke were apprehended by the criminals and the former was killed while trying to resist abduction. His body was left lifeless in the farmland behind the Catechetical Training School, Malunfashi and later discovered by the police and the wherabouts of Rev. Joe Okeke remains unknown.
The unfortunate incident was disclosed in a statement by the Communications Director of Diocese of Sokoto, Fr Chris Omotosho which read,
“last night (20/05/2021) one of our parishes – St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church Malunfashi, Katsina state – was attacked by unknown gunmen. 2 priests were kidnapped – *Frs Joe Keke & Alphonsus Bello*. Fr Joe Keke the former parish priest, now in residence is in his late 70s. Fr Alphonsus Bello (parish priest) is in his 30s. This morning the body of Fr Alphonsus was found (lifeless) in the farmland behind the Catechetical Training School, Malunfashi. The whereabouts of Fr. Joe Keke is still unknown. No contact has been made thus far.”
The spokesman of the Katsina State Police Command, SP Gambo Isah confirmed the incident stating that 2 suspects have been arrested following the attack.
His statement read,
“The incident is true and we are doing all we could to ensure that Reverend father Keke is rescued alive.
“As for the other priest Reverend father Bello, our men found the corpse and there was no sign of gunshots on him. He could have died of Axyphesation or shock.
“We have arrested two suspects in connection with the incident because the gunmen after entering the large compound, went straight to the residences of the two priests. The Commissioner of Police has directed the Area Commander, Malumfashi to mobilise all resources in the area to ensure that Reverend father Keke is rescued alive.”
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