"But then I heard a second loud noise, and I saw parishioners running in different directions in the church. I stood there in shock, wondering what was going on, when someone ran to me, yelling: 'Father, unknown gunmen!'

"Some of the speculation as to who did it sounds quite logical and fits in with the general situation of our country right now, such as the insecurity, political unrest, and the conflicts between Fulani herdsmen and farmers."

“This is the latest in the ongoing wave of brutal attacks on Nigeria’s Christians. Political and religious leaders around the world must condemn this barbarism and put pressure on Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari to do what it takes finally to stop the violence and protect the Nigerian people."

“It is Pentecost Sunday, a time every Catholic is expected to be in Church to commemorate the Solemnity. It is so sad to say that while the Holy Mass was going on, men of unknown origin, wielding guns, attacked St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church."

When asked about the fact that many northern states have sharia law, and therefore do not have 100 percent religious freedom, he laughs. “100 percent? If we had 30 percent religious freedom, we would be happy!”

“There is much abuse of all kinds targeting children and women. Divorce and suicide are increasing. ... We heard of a woman who tried to throw herself from a bridge because she had no way to feed her children. People talked her down, but for how long? We need a solution."