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SALT LAKE CITY -- Recent violence in temple in Aba, Nigeria has caused Latter-day Saint Church leaders to close their temple in that city.
Four gunmen with AK-47s struck a building in the temple compound. No one was injured in that gunfire at the compound, but there is unrest in that area constantly.
As the gunmen drove along the road that leads to the temple complex, they sprayed shots, and some of them hit the guardhouse at the entrance.
LDS Church spokesperson Scott Trotter, confirmed the incident resulted in eight bullet holes in the doors of the guard house.
Nigerian Church members say this was a crime incident and neither the temple, which is on a slight hill or rise, nor the Church was a target.
This statement about closing the temple came from Church Public Affairs today: "The safety of our temple visitors and workers is always our first concern. Incidents of violence in recent months in the area where the temple is situated are not necessarily related to the temple but could put Church members at risk.
Safety was the main concern four years ago when then-President Gordon B. Hinckley visited to dedicate the temple. He arrived and departed the area in a helicopter because bandits travel along that road daily.
In 2005 the area president us they are urged to travel during the day, as there are fewer crimes then.
Elder Sheldon F. Child at that time said, "When we run into difficulties is when we try to travel at night, but coming in the daytime, it'll be save."
KSL spoke Wednesday afternoon with Church Public Affairs and there is no word yet on when the temple will reopen.
Compiled with information from Andrew Adams and Carole Mikita
