Just In: Unknown Robbers Invade Benin Catholic Church, Steal Tabernacle of Blessed Sacrament

A yet-to-be identified in the early hours of Sunday, 17th of September, 2023 broke into the Main Church building of St Augustine Catholic Church, Benin City, and made away with the Tabernacle where the Blessed Sacrament is usually kept after consecration.

It was gathered that as of proactive steps taken so far, the Parish Priest, Rev Fr Dr. Anthony Nkom, OSA has reported the incident to the Edo State Security outfit, the Vigilante to see how the Tabernacle can be recovered around the Church’s surrounding and environs since it is believed that it may be very difficult for the Tabernacle to be forced open.

Meanwhile, the Archbishop of Benin City, Most Rev Augustine Akubeze in the company of his personal Secretary, Rev. Fr. Francis Morah, and the Seminary Rector, Fr. Paschal Omono were in the Church on Sunday evening to have a first-hand assessment of the sacrilegious incident.

Consequent upon the development, the Parish Priest, Fr Nkom calls on all Lay Faithful to continue to pray that God expose the perpetrators of this unholy act, as well as becoming more watchful to ensure that the stolen Blessed Sacrament is found in due time, as he also promises handsome rewards for any person that will have useful information on the recovery of the missing Tarbanacle

“Please we are not relenting in our prayers for God’s forgiveness and consolation during this trying period in our parish community. *It will be recalled that a similar incident occurred last two weeks at St Odilias Catholic church Ojoto in Onitsha Archdiocese.”