A nurse who narrowly survived a terror attack on a church in Nigeria, in which 41 worshippers lost their lives, has arrived in the UK to receive a special award in recognition of her fortitude and faith.
Margaret Attah, lost both legs and the sight in one eye when a bomb exploded in St Francis Xavier’s Church in Owo, on Pentecost Sunday last year, devastating the entire community.
Mrs Attah, is being presented with a ‘Courage to be a Christian’ award by the charity Aid to the Church in Need.
Gunmen from the Nigerian terrorist group Boko Haram opened fire on the congregation that day. The group, known for persecuting Christians in Nigeria, are Islamic fundamentalists. They also claimed responsibility for the bombing.
More than 70 churchgoers were wounded in the attack, on 5th June, 2022. Victoria Adeseluka lost the use of her legs after being hit by two bullets in the back.
Margaret Attah (pictured before the attack) will be receiving the award on behalf of all those from St Francis Xavier’s Church who suffered.
An Africa-themed ceremony will be held at St George’s Catholic Cathedral in Southwark, before mass on Wednesday 22nd November.
The award will be presented by Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendia, the Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain.