Pope Francis prays for Christian community in Nigeria, condemns Benue attack

Pope Francis has condemned the attack on a Nigerian Catholic church that left two priests dead

Pope Francis has decried an attack on a Catholic church in Nigeria that killed 15 people, including two priests.

Rev Fathers Joseph Gor and Felix Tyolaha, were murdered in Mbalom community, Gwer West Local Government Council of Benue state in Nigeria.

Also murdered by suspected herdsmen were about 15 members of the St Ignatius’ Catholic Church.

In remarks Sunday to the public in St. Peter’s Square, the pontiff prayed that Nigeria’s Christian community can find harmony and peace.

Rev Father Joseph Gor warned of herdsmen grazing around Mbalom community before he was killed along with members of his church

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The massacre last week which occurred in central Nigeria, has recently seen a series of attacks, many linked to an ongoing dispute between farmers and herdsmen.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has described the attacks on churches as an attempt to stoke religious conflict.

“I extend my sincere condolences to the Govt and people of Benue State, the Mbalom community, and especially the Bishop, priests & members of the St Ignatius’ Catholic Church, whose premises was the unfortunate venue of the heinous killings of worshippers & two priests by gunmen,” he tweeted.

He described the attack on the church as vile, evil and satanic. “This latest assault on innocent persons is particularly despicable.

“Violating a place of worship, killing priests and worshippers is not only vile, evil and satanic, it is clearly calculated to stoke up religious conflict and plunge our communities into endless bloodletting.

Do we really want peace? Then let’s ban all weapons so we don’t have to live in fear of war.

— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) April 29, 2018