Turkey condemns terrorist attack on church in Nigeria
At least 15 people were killed during early morning mass at Catholic church in Benue state
By Meryem Goktas
ANKARA
Turkey on Tuesday condemned a terrorist attack on a church in Nigeria that left at least 15 people dead.
"We have learnt with sorrow that numerous people lost their lives as a result of a terrorist attack on a church in Nigeria’s Benue state," Turkey’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
"We condemn this heinous attack and convey our condolences to the people and government of Nigeria.”
Earlier Tuesday, Terver Akase, a spokesman for the north central Benue government, told reporters that 15 people were killed when attackers stormed the Catholic church in Ayer-Mbalom town.
Catholic authorities confirmed that two priests -- Rev. Fathers Joseph Gor and Felix Tyolaha -- were killed in the violence, which they blamed on herders.
Rev. Fr. Moses Iorapuu, a spokesman for the Catholic church, said in a statement that the attackers struck during early morning mass.
President Muhammadu Buhari condemned the killings in a statement.
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