Three days after four Catholic worshippers were reportedly killed in a clash between armed soldiers and guards at the St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Gidan Waya, in Jema’a local government area of Kaduna state, the Bishop of Kafanchan Diocese, Most Reverend Joseph Bagobiri has reacted to the tragic incident.
According to a Daily Trust report, the bishop released a statement on Thursday, March 12, 2015, in which he confirmed that the church cadets clashed with an army lieutenant following a slight misunderstanding.
Rev Bagobiri added that shortly after the clash, armed soldiers arrived at the scene.
“The incident occurred when one of the officers arrived the church and met the entrance blocked, as part of efforts to ensure safety. The road block is being manned by the Catholic cadets.
“The said officer was allowed to pass, but he later came back to question the authority behind the road block. This brought about a serious argument that led to the exchange of words and physical combat.
“The army officer then called on his men, who on arrival simply opened fire on the boys, killing one of them instantly. This was followed by sporadic gun shots which attracted the attention of other members in the church,” the clergyman said while narrating how the tragic incident happened.
He added that as a result of the shooting, the youth groups “pounced on the military officer who was eventually rescued and taken to the hospital. But he is feared dead.”
The bishop however, stated that everything is now calm in the area, adding that the Church “deeply regrets the incident that led to the death of four innocent lives including that of the military officer, and leaving scores of others in critical conditions.”
Meanwhile, army authorities confirmed the incident, saying an investigation into the matter had begun.
An APC senatorial candidate in Kaduna state, Ishaku Shekarau, was on March 7, 2015, attacked by thugs in Fadan Kagoma, Jema’a LGA of the state.
Shekarau was reportedly in the town for the annual Gwong Day celebration when he was assaulted.
According to unconfirmed reports, the thugs carrying dangerous weapons were chanting Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) slogans.
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