Catholic Bishops Decry Ozubulu Worshipers Killings
The Catholic Bishops of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province, has decried the last Sunday attack and killing on worshippers at the St. Philip Catholic Church, Ozubulu, Anambra State.
The bishops, who regretted the recent resurgence of terror attacks in the North Eastern part of Nigeria, said criminal group seems to have returned with double strength.
This was contained in a communiqué issues at the end of the second Bishops of Ibadan Provinces meeting, comprising Ibadan Archdiocese, Ilorin, Ondo, Ekiti, Oyo and Osogbo Dioceses and held at Kizito Pastoral Centre, Ede, Osun State.
The Bishops in a communiqué jointly signed by their President and Secretary, Most Reverend Gabriel Abegunrin and John Oyejola said: “We sympathize with the reverend in charge of Nnewi Diocese, Most Reverend Hillary Okeke, and the faithful of the Diocese, the government and people of Anambra State and several families directly affected by the mass murder which occurred on Sunday 6th August, 2017, at St Philip Catholic Church, Ozubulu, Anambra State.
“We uphold still the sanctity of every human life given by God and not to be taken away by anyone and therefore can never denounce enough the evil of such a horrendous and callous killing of innocent worshippers right in the Church during the Holy Mass.
“The bottom line is that the security situation in Nigeria remains at best, tenuous. We strongly condemn whatever may be at the root of this and similar occurrences. Those who are charged with securing human life and property in the nation must simply do more to protect the citizens. One must ask how murderers like the perpetrators of the Ozubulu mayhem came about such deadly weapons.
“The proliferation of arms in Nigeria deserves urgent and decisive action. We call on all our faithful to pray that the souls of the departed may rest in perfect peace and that God may bring enduring peace to Nigeria. We also reiterate that the right of all Nigerians to freely adhere to any religion of their choice is sacrosanct and must be protected by all legitimate means”, they said.
“We commend the Presidential order that has returned the Nigerian Military Service Chiefs in full force to the centre of the battle. Sadly the wanton destruction of lives and property in Southern Kaduna is also yet to abate.
“While commending the military and other security agencies in Nigeria for their commitment to the integrity of the nation, we urge them to eschew all forms of corruption, nepotism and betrayal and fight for the unity and integrity of Nigeria. History and humanity will honour their sacrifice and commitment. All Nigerians have the responsibility to collaborate with the security agencies by giving information where necessary and obeying the rules of vigilance and personal security at all times.”
