Catholic diocese in Nigeria condemns brutal assault on priest by military

Bishop Mark Maigida Nzukwein of Nigeria’s Wukari Diocese and one of the church stewards who lost an eye. / Credit: Wukari Diocese

ACI Africa, Aug 14, 2024 / 17:06 pm (CNA).

The Diocese of Wukari in Nigeria has condemned an attack on All Saints Catholic Church Ikyaior by the Nigerian military personnel on Aug. 5 in which the priest in charge and his stewards were assaulted and badly injured.

In the attack, said to have happened between 9 and 10 a.m., one of the church stewards lost an eye, according to a statement the diocese shared with ACI Africa, CNA’s news partner in Africa, on Tuesday, Aug. 13.

The diocese noted that military personnel suspected to be from Makurdi in Nigeria’s Benue state arrived at the residence of Father Bernard Unum and assaulted him along with his stewards.

“They arrived in approximately six military trucks and motorcycles and proceeded to assault Father Unum and others present. During the attack, Cornelius Terhemen, Father Unum’s steward, sustained severe injuries, resulting in the loss of an eye,” the statement read.

The Nigerian diocese expressed shock following the incident, which is said to have occurred within the church premises despite the institution’s constant collaboration with government bodies in promoting development, justice, and peace.

The attackers continued to attack the priest even after he identified himself to the assailants.

While condemning the attack, the diocese called upon the chief of army staff “to identify and hold accountable the personnel responsible for this act of brutality.”

In the statement signed by the vicar pastoral, Father James Yaro, and the chancellor, Father Simon Akuraga, the diocese also urged the governor of Taraba state, which the diocese covers, to ensure a thorough investigation into the matter is conducted and appropriate action taken. 

“We demand the immediate return of Father Bernard’s confiscated phone and appropriate compensation for Cornelius Terhemen, whose eye was permanently damaged due to the assault,” the officials of the diocese said.

They added: “The Catholic Diocese of Wukari remains committed to supporting and collaborating with the government to ensure peace and stability in our communities.”

“As a law-abiding institution, we believe in the institution of government and anticipate prompt and decisive action from the government on this matter,” they said.

This article was first published by ACI Africa, CNA’s news partner in Africa, and has been adapted by CNA.