- Declares Monday Public a Day of Mourning in honour of the dead
- Dispatched 50 additional medical doctors to the hospital
- Govt to pay medical bills of the 18 survivors
By Chibuike Nwabuko
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has reacted to Sunday’s killing that took place at St. Phillips Catholic Church, Amakwa, Ozubulu, Aambra State.
Obiano who divorced terrorists and terrorism from the killing, said it was a pure case of tragic dimension of a long battle between two business partners who are from the same town.
The Governor made the clarification in a special broadcast to Anambra people on Monday.
Obiano who reminded that the 12 worshippers lost their lives in the Sunday attack, recounted that the dangerous conflict has been going on for a while in the country where they both live outside Nigeria before they decided to bring the conflict home.
According to Obiano, what happened in Ozubulu was neither a terror attack as we know it, nor a violent action by some agitators. We are dealing with a dangerous GANG WAR that has spilled over to Anambra State from another African country. But this is the last time it will happen under my watch! He said.
“I want to assure you that we are on top of this situation. We are completely in charge here. The people directly and remotely involved in this crime are known to the law enforcement agencies. But no suspect, no matter how highly placed, is above the law. So, we have taken bold steps to bring them to book and restore the peace and tranquility that Anambra State has enjoyed since the past three years.
He assured that Anambra state is safe, Our churches and places of worship are safe. So, our people should not be discouraged from going to church to serve their God because what happened in Amakwa, Ozubulu is an isolated case. It will not happen again! Ndi Anambra should continue to sleep with both eyes closed because we are staying awake for them. In the words of Wendell Philips, the American abolitionist and liberal activist, “the price of liberty is eternal vigilance.” We have chosen to stay awake that Anambra may find sleep! I repeat, never again will this type of bloodshed happen in Anambra State under me!
The governor who strongly condemned the wanton killing of our fellow citizens who left their loved ones in the early hours of Sunday morning to worship their God, described it as senseless violation of sacred places of worship by people to whom neither man nor God is worthy of respect or honour. I condemn these people who did not think twice before placing such a heavy burden on our humanity! He added,
Obiano reiterated that all the shadowy characters behind this crime shall account for it. This is the first and the last of this appalling crime!
He called on the people to join hands with him to rid Anambra of all vestiges of crime and criminality. Nothing else can stand in the way of accelerated development as crime does
“We remain focused on our Vision and Mission to this great state. No amount of threats or wholesale destruction can shake our commitment to these ideals.
He therefore declared today (Monday) a Day of Mourning in honour of our brothers and sisters that were slain yesterday. We shall observe a minute of silence in their honour at 12 noon today and special prayers shall be offered for them in churches and prayer houses across Nigeria and in the Diaspora. We have also opened a Condolence Register for them in the Government House.
The governor announced that his administration will pick up all the medical bills of the 18 survivors of this carnage who are nursing different injuries in the hospital
Obiano said he has dispatched 50 additional medical doctors to the hospital to ensure that they have access to the best medical care possible. Indeed, all hands must be on deck to save more lives, he stated.
He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari who called him last night from London to commiserate with Ndi Anambra on this tragic incident. He also thank the Acting President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo who also called last night to condole with us.
Anambra State has survived incredible odds in our modest history. This too shall pass!
