Sankera Monarch Decries Church Attack, Urges Swift Justice and Restoration Efforts

The Paramount Ruler of Sankera, His Royal Highness Tor Sankera, David Sevav, has called on the Federal and Benue State Governments to ensure that the perpetrators behind the recent burning of St. Paul’s Parish in Aye-Twar are swiftly brought to justice. The church was reportedly set ablaze by suspected armed Fulani militia, sparking widespread outrage across the region.

Tor Sankera made the appeal during a solidarity visit to the Catholic Bishop of the Katsina-Ala Diocese, Most Rev. Isaac Dugu, following the attack. He was accompanied by members of the Sankera Traditional Council, Hon. Prince Solomon Wombo (Sankera Federal Constituency Representative), local government chairmen from Katsina-Ala, Ukum, and Logo, members of the Benue State House of Assembly, and other political appointees.

Describing the incident as a desecration of a sacred place and a severe violation of human dignity, the monarch condemned the attack as not only a blow to the Church but also a test of governmental leadership and the efficiency of security forces in safeguarding lives and property. He emphasized that ensuring justice and security for all, regardless of religious affiliation, is critical to fostering peace in the region.

Tor Sankera also commended Bishop Dugu for his resilience and notable peacebuilding efforts, including his outreach to bandits, which he described as uncommon even among local leaders. He urged the Benue State Government to prioritize the rebuilding of the parish and strengthen security in the area so that displaced residents can safely return and resume worship without fear.