During a Christmas Eve vigil mass, three worshippers were tragically killed by alleged criminals, an event that has been strongly denounced by Most Rev. Peter Nworie, the Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese.
The incident, which took place at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Nkweagu, within the Abakaliki Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, was disclosed by Mr. Nworie during the Christmas service at Saint Theresa Cathedral Church on Monday. The attack happened at around 11:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Mr. Nworie expressed deep sorrow over the incident and offered prayers for the victims’ souls. He detailed how the assailants stormed the church during a vigil mass service, resulting in the deaths and injuries of several attendees.
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He emphasized that this was an unprecedented event, stating, “This is the first time such an incident is happening in the church and in Ebonyi State in general.”
In his earlier sermon, the clergyman urged the congregation to understand and live by the teachings of Christmas. He also called on the faithful to pray for the unity and progress of the state and the nation.
Attempts to get a response from the Ebonyi Police Command have so far been unsuccessful, as the command is currently without a spokesperson.
(NAN)