BEVERLY HILLS, August 06, (THEWILL) – Nigeria’s ruling political party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), has condemned the killing in the Catholic Church in Ozobulu, Anambra State.
THEWILL had reported that about eight people were killed and 18 others injured during the shooting at the St. Philips Catholic Church in Ozubulu located in Ekusigo Local Government Area of Anambra state, Southeast Nigeria, on Sunday morning.
According to reports, the Anambra state Governor, Willie Obiano, said the attack was a result of a feud between two brothers from the community living outside Nigeria.
Reacting, the APC, in a statement signed by its Spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, described the attack as barbaric, while also commiserating with the Catholic Church in Nigeria as well as the government and people of Anambra State.
“The APC condemns the barbarism displayed by the callous attackers who gunned down defenceless people while they worshiped.
“The Party calls on security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are promptly apprehended and brought to justice”n it said.
The Party also called “on security agents in Anambra as well as other parts of the country to provide adequate security in places of worship to forestall a repeat of this unfortunate incident.”
Meanwhile, Nigerian Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has expressed deep sadness over the incident.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki stated that the killing of worshippers represents the purest kind of evil urging security services must not stop until the perpetrators are brought to justice.
“Today, my heart goes out to Nigeria’s Christian community, Governor Willy Obiano, the people of Anambra State, and the families of the victims and the survivors of this terrible massacre,” the Senate President said.
“This brutal act of attacking innocent and unsuspecting worshippers represents the purest kind of evil.
“Our security forces must not stop until everyone involved in the orchestration and execution of today’s massacre in St. Philip’s Catholic Church, Anambra are brought to book by the strong arm of justice.
“The Senate will continue to offer any form of necessary assistance in this endeavor, because today, all of us, as Nigerians have been attacked by this senseless act committed by evil people.”
Also, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, described the attack on worshippers in the catholic church as “abominable, barbaric and inhuman.’’
Dogara made the remark in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan.
“Have we lost our humanity? Where is the place of sanctity of life and sacredness of worship places in our society?” he queried.
“What offence did the worshippers commit to warrant their massacre in cold blood by wicked souls and heartless men.”
Also reacting, the Delta state governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, condemned in strong terms the shooting in the catholic church leading to the death of worshippers and injuring others.
The Governor in a statement on Sunday in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu, expressed sadness on the desecration of the temple of God which served as a place of worship, adding that the Church is a place of refuge and devoid of attacks even in war situations.
“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta State, I commiserate with my brother, the Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Chief Willie Obiano, the government and people of Anambra State over Sunday’s church attack at Ozubulu leading to the death of several worshippers,” he said.
“This is tragic, the church is a place of refuge for all who run into it, this unwarranted attack and mindless bloodletting is not only wicked but barbaric and must be condemned by all good men of conscience
“Our hearts are with the bereaved families at this moment of anguish. I pray that God grant the soul of the departed eternal rest as I urge the police and other security agents to fish out the perpetrators and bring them to book.”
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