“Military aiding armed herdsmen to attack Benue indigenes” – Catholic priest

Rev Fr Remigius Ihyula, a Catholic priest, has accused the military of aiding armed herdsmen in attacking Benue indigenes. The recent attack on St. Paul Catholic Parish in Ikobi, Apa LGA, Benue State saw armed Fulani herders burning the parish rectory, looting worship items, and displacing dozens of residents.

Fr. Ihyula, who is the Director of the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, claimed that the attackers operated freely in full view of military personnel. The church, a humanitarian partner supporting the displaced community, has been a target of escalating violence.

The St. Paul Parish, established in 2014, now lies in ruins, with Fr. Ihyula stating that the community in Apa LGA is no longer safe. The Intersociety human rights group has also warned that unless the killing of Christians in Nigeria is stopped, they could face.