Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
Gunmen on Christmas eve attacked a Catholic Church in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, killing three worshippers.
Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, Most Rev. Peter Nworie Chukwu confirmed the attack and killings which occurred during a vigil mass on Sunday night.
Bishop Chukwu disclosed this at Monday’s Christmas Mass at Saint Theresa’s Cathedral Church.
He said that the killing occurred at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Nkweagu, in Abakaliki Local Government Area of Ebonyi State at 11:30 pm on Sunday.
The bishop, who described the incident as sad and disheartening, prayed for the repose of their souls.
He explained that the suspected killers invaded the church while a priest was celebrating a vigil Mass and killed and injured many others.
According to the Bishop, 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 in Ebonyi State in general,” he 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.
The Police in Ebonyi could not be reached for comments at the time of this report.
