The 19 victims of the attack were being buried at the Ayati pilgrim site near Ikpayongo in Gwer East local government area of the state. NAIJ.com gathered that the governor of the state, Samuel Ortom, has declared Tuesday, May 22, a work-free day to honour them. It was gathered that a few weeks ago, suspected armed herdsmen had invaded Mbalon community and attacked St. Ignatius Catholic Church at Ayar Mbalom in Gwer East local government area of the state, killed two priests - Rev Fathers Joseph Gor and Felix Tyolaha and other 17 worshipers during early morning mass. Meanwhile, NAIJ.com had previously reported that two religious leaders, on Friday, April 27, reacted separately in Imo state over the killing of Catholic priests and some church worshippers in Benue just as they also called for serious probe by the government into the matter.