Auchi catholic church raided by Armed robbers

The Immaculate Conception Catholic Cathedral in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, was on Wednesday raided by a gang of armed robbers.

The operation lasted for about two hours, after which the robbers reportedly carted away cash and other valuable materials. They however forgot one of their battle axes, with which they apparently gained access into the church hall in one of the church offices at the end of their operation.

The criminals were said to have arrived the Cathedral at about 2am and tied up the security personnel and other workers on duty, before breaking into the residence of the priest from whom they allegedly demanded for money.

The priest, Valentine Anaweokhai, said the robbers made away with several mobile phones, laptops and cash totalling N250,000. He disclosed that the robbers broke into his apartment, collected his valuables and ordered him to take them to the office where they ransacked the vestry and other rooms, including the office of the Catechist, but found nothing.

Mr Anaweokhai said one of the church workers, whose name he did not mention, was injured in the head and leg during the operation. He regretted that efforts made to reach out for help during the raid were unsuccessful, even as he disclosed that the matter has been reported to the police.

Though, police sources in Auchi confirmed the incident, Edo State Police Command Spokesman, Peter Ogboi however told journalists that his office was yet to be briefed on the incident.