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

St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church, Malunfashi, Katsina State was attacked by bandits on Thursday, May 20 at about 11pm. The bandits invaded the church premises and abducted two Catholic Priests, Rev. Fr. Alphonsus Yashim Bello who was later killed and Rev Father Joe Keke.

According to reports, the bandits opened fire within the church premises leaving some people injured.

The late priest was said to have resisted abduction but the armed men overpowered him and whisked him away. The lifeless body of Fr. Alphonsus Bello was found abandoned in the farmland behind the Catechetical Training School, Malunfashi on Friday morning.

The Communications Director, Diocese of Sokoto, Fr Chris Omotosho, confirmed the incident in a statement on Friday. “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, the statement reads