Herdsmen attack Catholic Parish in Katsina-Ala

Armed Fulani herdsmen have launched a violent attack on St. Paul’s Parish, Aye-Twar (Agu Centre), in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
A resident of the community confirmed the attack and called on security agencies and relevant authorities to take urgent action to protect lives and property.

The Nigerian Catholic Diocesan Priests’ Association (NCDPA) of Katsina-Ala Diocese has strongly condemned the assault, describing it as a “genocidal attack” on both the Church and the community.

According to a statement signed by Rev. Fr. Samuel Fila, Chairman of NCDPA, the armed group completely shut down the parish, destroying the church, burning the rectory to ashes, vandalizing the parish secretariat, and demolishing pastoral vehicles, household items, and other valuables.

The association noted that the attack follows a series of sustained assaults on the Aye-Twar community, which had already forced the parish priest to relocate, maintaining only minimal pastoral activities.

With all 26 outstations now occupied by the armed group, the entire Agu Centre community has been deserted by residents fearing further violence.

“This is no longer the narrative of farmer-herder conflicts,” the priests said.

“It is a premeditated, well-coordinated effort aimed at genocidal cleansing, territorial domination, and occupation of lands that rightfully belong to us,” he added.