Tragedy as Catholic Priest Shot Dead in Benue, Another Kidnapped in Northern state

A Catholic priest, Reverend Father Ferdinand Fanen Ngugban, has been shot dead in Katsina-Ala local government area of Benue state.

Daily Trust reports that Fr. Ngugban of St. Augustine Aye Twar parish in Katsina-Ala was killed by bandits who raided the community and set many houses on fire.

Benue state police command spokesman, DSP Catherine Anene, confirmed the killing of the priest in a terse statement.

In a related development, another catholic priest has been kidnapped by armed bandits in Kaduna state.

The spokesman of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kaduna, Reverend Father Stephen Onyema told Channels Television that the Reverend Father, Anthony Dawah was abducted two of his parishoners.

Nigerians on social media have been reacting to the latest attacks targeted at priests.

Emmanuel Keita Isah asks on Twitter: “When will enough be enough for these confounded criminals and the police?”

Emmanuel Chidi wrote: “Kaduna on a rampage, students still in captive, RCCG members not yet released, now catholic priest...And there's a governor there...not to talk about the London dude. God save us!”

Olaifa John Adekunle wrote: “Police didn't prevent this to happen, but they can investigate the death of cows.” John Omovigho wrote: “God if it's your will for this country to break, let it break this year. This is too much, someone called the president showing a nonchalant attitude.”

Wale wrote: “If you insist on not negotiating with bandits or paying ransoms, it’s only right you secure the state and make it nearly impossible for the crime to take place in the first place.”