A Catholic priest was burned alive, along with another priest who was shot and injured in Nigeria on Sunday.
Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun said that gunmen first attempted to enter the home of the priests, then set fire to it and killed Father Isaac Achi.
REPORT: Catholic Priest Burned Alive In Nigeria https://t.co/9FIcJs8QQG
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) January 15, 2023
"Father Achi burned to death while another priest staying at the house, Father Collins, was shot while fleeing but survived and is currently recovering at a local hospital, Reuters reported. Father Achi belonged to the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in the Paikoro Local Government Area," the Daily Caller reported.
"This is a sad moment," said Niger state governor Sani Bello. He added that the death of a priest "in such a manner means that we are not all safe."
The violence is part of a frightening trend in Nigeria. At least a dozen Catholic priests and other religious leaders were killed in 2022, with many others kidnapped or oppressed by other methods.
At least 12 Catholic priests and religions men and women were killed in 2022, with dozens being kidnapped.
Unfortunately, 2023 is off to a rough start, with several priests and a bishop wrongfully imprisoned in #Nicaragua, and the first murdered Catholic priest, in #Nigeria. https://t.co/sSeY7RL3TF
— Ines San Martin (@inesanma) January 15, 2023
In June 2022, an attack on a Catholic church left 50 dead. Repeated religious attacks against Christians have occurred in northern Nigeria by violent Muslims seeking to stop the practice of the religion in the area.
"These terrorists have lost it and drastic action is needed to end this ongoing carnage," Niger state Gov. Abubakar Sani Bello said.
"Nigeria's north and central regions are currently experiencing high levels of religious conflicts. Nigeria's north and central regions are largely Muslim, while the south is largely Christian," the report added.
The violence also stands out as Nigeria is Africa's most populous nation with more than 213 million people.
The religious violence remains under investigation, with international organizations calling for peace in the nation.
Source: Daily Caller
