Killing of priests attempt to stoke religious war ―Buhari

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has condemned as vile and satanic the killing of worshippers and two priests at a Catholic church in Ukpor-Mbalom community in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State, saying that it is an attempt to stoke religious conflict and an endless bloodletting.

A terse statement issued by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity), in Abuja on Tuesday said the president is of the view that the assault on innocent priests and worshippers is despicable as he extended his condolences to the people of Benue State and the affected community of St Ignatius’ Catholic Church, Mbalom.

The statement quoted the president as saying: “I extend my sincere condolences to the government and people of Benue State, the Mbalom community, and especially the Bishop, priests and members of the St Ignatius’ Catholic Church, whose premises was the unfortunate venue of the heinous killings by gunmen.

“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.”

Stressing that the country will not bow to the machinations of evildoers, President Buhari vowed that the assailants would be hunted down and made to pay for the sacrilege committed.