Unknown gunmen attacked the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Nkwagu, Abakiliki Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, on Sunday night, murdering three worshippers.
Most Rev. Peter Nworie, Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, has condemned the Christmas Eve murders by hoodlums at a vigil liturgy in the area.
The bishop stated at the Christmas Service at St. Theresa’s Cathedral Church on Monday that the killing occurred around 11:30 p.m.
He characterized the situation as heartbreaking and upsetting.
According to Nworie, the alleged killers stormed the church as a priest was celebrating a vigil mass service, killing the victims and injuring many more.
According to Nworie, such a heinous conduct had never occurred in a church in the state.
“This is the first time such an incident has happened in the church and in Ebonyi State in general,” the head of the church said.
Earlier, in his speech, the bishop exhorted people to align themselves with the meaning and teachings of Christmas.
He exhorted the faithful to pray for the state’s and nation’s unity and progress.
All attempts to obtain a response from the Ebonyi State Police Command Public Relations Officer were futile because the command had yet to hire a new spokesperson.