UK government urges Nigeria to hold Christian persecutors to account

The UK government has condemned the killing of two priests in Nigeria and called on counterparts in the African country to hold those responsible to account.

The attack was raised in a written question by Labour MP Dr David Drew.

Answering on behalf of the government, Foreign Office minister Harriet Baldwin said: "We condemn the recent attack in Benue State, which included an attack on a church and up to fifty houses.

"We are deeply saddened by the suffering and loss of life. We are concerned by the substantial increase in serious clashes between farmers and cattle herders in recent months.

"We urge the Government of Nigeria to hold those responsible to account and to work with the affected populations to develop a sustainable solution to the conflict."

Last month, parish priests Father Joseph Gor and Father Felix Tyolaha (above) died in an attack by around 30 militia men.

President Muhammadu Buhari (above) has made assurance that the government would "ensure that the assailants are apprehended and brought to justice for this vile and sacrilegious act".