Palm Sunday Attack: Gunmen Storm Benue Church, Kill Worshipper, Kidnap Pastor, 4 Others   

As Christians all over the world celebrated Palm Sunday, unknown gunmen invaded the Christians Pentecostal Church located at Akenawe, Tswarev in Ukemberagya/Tswarev of Logo local government area of Benue State, killing one worshipper and kidnapping the church Pastor and four other persons.

Our correspondent gathered from locals in the area that the unknown gunmen had at about 11am on Sunday, opened fire on the harmless worshippers while an healing mass was ongoing.

Confirming the incedent to our correspondent via telephone, a community leader and President, Gaambe-Tiev Youths Association (GYA), Dr. Hemen Terkimbi, disclosed that at least one person was killed in the attack, while five persons sustained varying degrees of injuries and four other worshippers including the resident pastor, Rev. Pst. Gwadue Kwaghtyo, were captured and taken to an unknown destination.

According to him, “those who sustained severe injuries including the Kindred Head of Akemkpa, Zaki Tyokase Ingyutu, who was wounded on the head and others are currently receiving treatment at different hospitals in Ugba and Anyiim areas of Logo local government.”

Dr. Terkimbi described the attack as barbaric, which must be condemned in strong terms.

“Why would innocent and defenceless worshippers be attacked by heartless persons while worshipping God on such a Holy Day?” he wondered.

He called on security personnel to comb all nooks and crannies of the affected areas to ensure that the attackers were arrested to face the wrath of the law.

However, when contacted, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Catherine Anene, said she was yet to get the report of the incident.