– Catholics in Edo state will stage a protest to decry killings by herdsmen in Nigeria
– The protest is reportedly planned for May 12,
– Catholic Archbishop of Benin, Most Rev. Augustine Akubeze will lead the protest
The Catholic Archdiocese of Benin, Edo state, will on May 12, 2018, stage a massive protest led by Catholic Archbishop of Benin, Most Rev. Augustine Akubeze round the state to decry killings by herdsmen in Benue, other states.
Catholic faithfuls within the Benin metropolis, especially in the Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha and Egor local government areas of the state, are expected to be in attendance at the protest, Punch reports.
A source who spoke to the press said: “The protest is going to be a big one because all Catholics in Benin will be mobilised to meet at St. Paul’s (Catholic Church) on Airport road. This was announced during the Mass at the Holy Cross Cathedral located on Mission road today (Sunday).
“We want to use it (protest) to condemn the attacks by the armed herdsmen and call on the federal government to find a lasting solution.”
15 people were killed in an early morning attack on St. Ignatius’ Catholic Church in Benue state, on Tuesday, April 24.
The attack occurred in Ayar-Mbalom, a community in Gwer East local government area.
Terver Akase, a spokesperson to Governor Samuel Ortom, said that the attackers also burnt 50 houses and sacked the entire community.
Confirming the attack, the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi said two of its priests, Rev Fathers Joseph Gor and Felix Tyolaha, were killed.