Unidentified thieves broke into the Main Church building of the Augustinian Community in Benin City and made away with the Tabernacle where the Blessed Sacrament is usually kept after consecration.
A tabernacle or a sacrament house is a fixed, locked box in which the Eucharist (consecrated communion hosts) is stored as part of the “reserved sacrament” rite.
Sources within the church, who narrated the ugly incident, said that the unholy act occurred around 3 a.m. on Sunday, September 17, 2023.
They said that the Parish Priest, Rev Fr Dr. Anthony Nkom, OSA has reported the incident to the Edo State Security outfit, the Vigilante to see how the Tarbanacle can be recovered around the Church’s surrounding and environs since it is believed that it may be very difficult for the Tabernacle to be forced opened.
Also, the sources added that the Archbishop of Benin City, Most Rev. Augustine Akubeze, in the company of his personal Secretary, Rev. Fr. Francis Morah, and the Seminary Rector, Fr. Paschal Omono were in the Church on Sunday evening accessed the sacrilegious incident.
In a public notice, the Parish Priest, Fr. Nkom called on all Lay Faithful to continue to pray that God expose the perpetrators of this unholy act.
He urged the faithful to be more watchful to ensure that the stolen Blessed Sacrament is found in due time.
The Priest, however, promised handsome rewards for any person who will have useful information on the recovery of the missing Tabernacle.
“Please we are not to relent in our prayers for God’s forgiveness and consolation during this trying period in our parish community,’’ he said.
