Unknown gunmen yesterday being Palm Sunday aggressively attacked the Christian Pentecostal Church at Ukemberagya/Tswarev in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, killed one worshipper and abducted the resident Pastor.
The gunmen were reported to have captured four other worshippers and took them to unknown destination.
New Telegraph learnt that the invaders stormed the area at about 11am, the usual time church services commence and opened fire on the Christians while the morning healing mass was going on.
A community leader, and President, Gaambe-Tiev Youths Association (GYA), Dr. Hemen Terkimbi, confirmed the fierce attack.
Dr. Terkimbi said one person was killed, others seriously wounded with four persons including the Resident Pastor of the church, Rev. Pst. Gwadue Kwaghtyo kidnapped and taken away.
Those severely injured including the Acting Kindred Head of Akemkpa, Zaki Tyokase Ingyutu who sustained head injuries, according to Dr. Terkimbi, are recieving treatment at different hospitals in Ugba and Anyiim areas of the local government.
While describing the attack as barbaric and condemnable, Terkimbi said it was indeed unfortunate that innocent defenseless worshippers could be attacked in such a manner on a Holy Day.
He admonished security agencies to intensify patrol and comb the area thoroughly to ensure that the attackers are apprehended to confront justice.
Chairperson of Logo Local Government Area, Hon. Mrs. Salome Tor Tsavsar, confirmed the incident.
She said four people sustained severe machete cuts and were taken to the hospital for treatment, adding that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in the area had deployed men of the Community Volunteer Guards to help bring the situation under control.
Mrs. Tsavsar said, “yesterday the people were doing night vigil to mark the Palm Sunday and the killers came and took the people unaware. They kidnapped three people and macheted two others who are in the hospital receiving treatment”.
