Katsina, 31 March, 2021 / 6:30 pm (ACI Africa).
A Catholic Priest and six others have been killed in an armed attack at a Parish of Nigeria’s Katsina Diocese, an official of the Diocese has confirmed.
In a statement shared with ACI Africa, the Chancellor of Katsina Diocese, Fr. Fidelis Phelle Akjmbul says, “I have been directed by the Apostolic Administrator, Sede Vacante, to notify you of the death of his Priest, Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Fanen Ngugban who until his death was the Assistant Priest at St. Paul Parish. Ayetwar, Katsina-Ala Local Government of Benue State.”
In the Wednesday, March 31 statement, Fr. Akjmbul recounts the events leading to the killing of Fr. Ngugban saying, “After celebrating Mass and while he prepared to leave for Chrism Mass at St. Gerard Majeila Cathedral, Katsina-Ala, to renew his priestly vows alongside his brother priests, there was pandemonium among the internally displaced persons who took refuge in the parish premises.”
“Fr Ferdinand went out to find out the cause of the confusion. He was shot in the head as he tried to take cover after sighting armed gunmen,” the Chancellor further recounts the events of Tuesday, March 30 at St. Paul Ayetwar Parish of Nigeria’s Katsina Diocese.