How Soldiers Brutally Assaulted Catholic Priest, Cook in Taraba

A Catholic priest from the Wukari Diocese in Taraba State, Richard Unom, has accused Nigerian soldiers of brutally assaulting him and his cook, Terhemen Cornelius, at his cathedral in Ikyaior, Wukari Local Government Area.

Father Unom, who is currently receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Center (FMC) Jalingo, recounted the ordeal, claiming that the soldiers subjected both him and his cook to severe physical abuse despite his attempts to identify himself as a Catholic priest.

According to Unom, the incident occurred on Monday, August 5, 2024, shortly after he had reported to his new post at All Saints Pastoral Centre on August 2. He described seeing six military vehicles and several motorcycles arriving at the church premises around 9 a.m. When he approached the soldiers to inquire about their presence, they informed him that they were conducting a mission to apprehend criminals in the area.

After briefly speaking with the soldiers and offering them water, Unom went inside to prepare for a trip to Wukari town. It was then that he heard his cook, Cornelius, crying for help. Rushing outside, Unom found Cornelius being violently beaten by the soldiers. Despite his pleas and repeated identification as a priest, the soldiers allegedly ignored him and proceeded to assault him as well.

“I was on the ground with more than three soldiers on me,” Unom recounted. “They were targeting my face, and I had to turn and face the ground to protect myself. One of them eventually came to my rescue, preventing further injuries.”

The priest revealed that Cornelius sustained severe injuries during the attack, including the complete destruction of one of his eyes. Both men are currently receiving medical care at FMC Jalingo.

When contacted for comment, Oni Olubodunde, the spokesperson for the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Jalingo, distanced the brigade from the incident, stating that the soldiers involved were not from the 6 Brigade and expressing doubts about whether they were genuine army personnel.

Additionally, the acting police spokesperson in Taraba, Gambo Kwache, stated that she was unaware of the incident.