Catholic priest killed, another abducted as bandits attack church in Katsina

Bandits attacked St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church, Malunfashi, Katsina State and killed a priest, Rev. Fr. Alphonsus Yashim Bello.

According to reports, The church was invaded on Thursday, May 20 around 11 pm as the gunmen started shooting in the air, leaving some people injured.

The late priest was abducted alongside an elderly priest, Rev Father Joe Keke but unfortunately the body of Fr. Alphonsus Bello was found abandoned in the farmland behind the Catechetical Training School, Malunfashi on May 21.

Confirming the tragic incident, the Communications Director, Diocese of Sokoto, Fr Chris Omotosho, in a statement released on Friday said the whereabout of the elderly priest is still unknown.

The statement reads.

“Last night (20/05/2021) One of our parishes – St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church Malunfashi, Katsina state – was attacked by unknown gunmen. 2 priests were kidnapped – Frs Joe Keke & Alphonsus Bello. Fr Joe Keke the former parish priest, now in residence is in his late 70s. Fr Alphonsus Bello (parish priest) is in his 30s,”

“This morning the body of Fr Alphonsus was found (lifeless) in the farmland behind the Catechetical Training School, Malunfashi. The whereabouts of Fr. Joe Keke is still unknown. No contact has been made thus far.”