Two killed in attack on Catholic mission in Nigeria

Illustrative image of parishioners at a Catholic mission in Nigeria. Photo: UOJ

On August 18, armed men attacked St John’s Catholic mission station in Ungwan Mulki in Nigeria’s Diocese of Zaria. Two people were killed and another was abducted in the attack, ACI Africa reports.

The attack took place early in the morning. The gunmen stormed the mission compound, abducted one of the local community elders and killed his eldest son. Another person was seriously wounded and later died in hospital.

Following the attack, a Catholic priest called on the faithful to pray for those killed, for the safe return of the abducted man and for the families affected by the attack. No details have yet been reported about the identity of the attackers or any possible demands made by the kidnappers.

Nigeria has faced attacks by armed and Islamist groups, including Boko Haram, for many years, as well as violence by armed Fulani groups. In a number of regions, such attacks have involved the killing of civilians and kidnappings for ransom.

Representatives of the Roman Catholic Church have repeatedly criticized the authorities for failing to stop the violence. In June, a Nigerian bishop said the government was not showing sufficient resolve in combating terrorist and criminal networks and was failing to hold those behind the attacks accountable.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the UN had expressed concern over violence against Christian women in Nigeria.

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