Ortom declares May 22 work-free day to honour 2 Catholic priests killed by alleged herdsmen

The governor of Benue, Samuel Ortom, has announced May 22, as work-free day to honour two priests of the Roman Catholic Church, who were killed recently in the state in an attack reportedly carried out by alleged herdsmen.

A short statement posted on the Twitter handle of the government, said simply: “Benue state governor, Samuel Ortom, has just declared Tuesday, May 22, work free day to honour the two catholic priests who were recently killed with 17 worshippers in Mbalom, Gwer East local government area of the state.”

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Legit.ng had reported that a mass burial is to be held in Benue state on Tuesday, May 22, for the 19 victims of the Catholic Church killings on Tuesday, April 24.

The Very Rev Fr Jude Ortese, the chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, said the victims which included two priests - Rev Fr Joseph Gor and Rev Felix Tyolahan - would be laid to rest at the Susugh Maria Pilgrimage Centre, Ayati, Ikpayongo, Gwer East local government area.

Legit.ng earlier reported how impromptu protests erupted in major areas of Makurdi, the Benue state capital as news of the killing of two priests and 17 worshipers by suspected armed herdsmen filtered into the town recently.

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Among the victims were two priests; Rev Fathers Joseph Gor and Felix Tyolaha, two primary school headmasters; Peter Di*k and Ape Chia, a secondary school principal; Michael Tor and 14 other worshipers.

The victims had gone to morning mass at St Ignatius Quasi Parish when their attackers who had laid ambush on the community attacked them around 5.30 am and killed them.

The suspected herdsmen extended their terror to other villagers burnt their houses numbering about 100.

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Source: Legit.ng