The Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Most Rev. Wilfred Anagbe, has suspended all pastoral activities at St. Peter’s Parish.
The church is located in the Low-Level area of Makurdi, the state capital.
The cleric cited desecration of the Holy Eucharist and looting of sacred vessels.
Rev. Fr. James Utav, the Diocesan Deputy Director of Communication, confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria.
He said the suspension, which took effect on September 15, followed attacks on the Parish on August 13, and September 13.
The Chapel of Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and the main Church building were breached.
“The decree sanctioning the suspension states that the Parish will be closed from the celebration of Holy Mass and all other pastoral activities in line with Canon 1211 with effect from 15 September 2020 until further notice,” Utav added.
The Diocesan explained that the closure will enable preparation for penance in order to repair the injury the profanation did to the sacred body of Christ.