The Catholic Diocese of Wukari, Nigeria, has strongly condemned a violent attack on All Saints Catholic Church in Ikyaior by Nigerian military personnel on August 5, during which the priest in charge and his staff were brutally assaulted.
According to a statement shared with ACI Africa on Tuesday, August 13, the assault occurred between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., leaving one church steward severely injured, resulting in the loss of an eye.
The Diocese reports that military personnel, believed to be from Makurdi in Benue State, arrived at Fr. Bernard Unum’s residence in approximately six military trucks and motorcycles. They proceeded to attack Fr. Unum and others present, including Mr. Cornelius Terhemen, Fr. Unum’s steward, who sustained severe injuries leading to the permanent loss of an eye.
The Diocese expressed shock and dismay at the attack, particularly as it took place within the church premises, despite the Diocese’s ongoing collaboration with government bodies to promote development, justice, and peace.
The statement notes that the attackers continued their assault even after Fr. Unum identified himself as a priest. The Diocese has called on the Chief of Army Staff to identify and hold accountable the personnel responsible for this “act of brutality.”
The statement, signed by Vicar Pastoral Fr. James Yaro and Chancellor Fr. Simon Akuraga, also urges the Governor of Taraba State, where the Diocese is located, to ensure a thorough investigation is conducted and appropriate action is taken.
“We demand the immediate return of Fr. Bernard’s confiscated phone and appropriate compensation for Mr. Cornelius Terhemen, whose eye was permanently damaged due to the assault,” the Diocese officials stated.
The Diocese reaffirmed its commitment to supporting and collaborating with the government to ensure peace and stability in the community, emphasizing its role as a law-abiding institution that expects prompt and decisive action from the government on this matter.
