By Jude Owuamanam Managing Editor, Northern Operations
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – Catholic pontiff, Pope Francis and the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Most Rev Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, have condemned in strong terms the recent attacks on St Philip’s Catholic Church in Ozubulu in Nnewi Diocese of Anambra State.
The Pope said he is “deeply saddened” for the victims of the “violent attack” that took place in the Catholic Church of St. Philip in Ozubulu, Anambra State, in southern Nigeria yesterday, Sunday, August 6, 2017.
During morning Mass, at least 12 lives were claimed and many wounded among hundreds present. Sources report the cause was organized crime, tied to drugs.
In a statement Signed by the Secretary of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, France. Chris Anyanwwu, said that the Pontiff message was sent via a telegram
The statement said, “In a telegram the Pope had sent on his behalf today by Vatican Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin, he “extends his sincere condolences” to Bishop Hilary Paul Odili Okeke, Bishop of Nnewi, “and to all the faithful of the Diocese of Nnewi, especially to the families of the deceased and to all those affected by this tragedy.”
In the telegram, the Pontiff invoked “the divine blessings of consolation and strength” on the whole diocese.
According to the investigations to date, the tragedy is due to tribal revenge and not to terrorism, in this diocese of southeast Nigeria, populated mainly by Christians, like all the south of the country.
According to the Vatican missionary agency Fides, “the target of the murderers was Aloysius Ikegwuonu, a major drug trafficker who gained enormous sums in South Africa where he controlled an active band in the distribution of cocaine.” The assassins were former accomplices who accused him of stealing most of the proceeds from the sale of drugs.
“Aloysius Ikegwuonu had organized a sort of thank-you ceremony in St. Philip’s Church,” the source added, “but at the last moment, he had been warned that the group of his former accomplices had planned to attack him. He therefore avoided going t o church. The group of killers entered the church and, not finding him, killed the father of Aloysius Ikegwuonu and the people around him, thinking that they were members of the family.”
Also Biahop Kaigama in a recent interview at the Vatican Radio in Rome, expressed shock and sadness about the attack.
“This attack is terribly inhuman and barbaric and we condemn the killings wholeheartedly ” Kaigama said.
The CBCN President on behalf of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria(CBCN) offered his thoughts and condolences to the Bishop of Nnewi, Most Rev Hilary Okeke, the Priests, Religious and entire laity of Nnewi diocese.
“Despite these attacks, Catholics in Nigeria will continue to be strong and committed Christians. We urge them to be ready and willing to continue to show their commitment to Jesus through a life of witness.” Kaigama advised.
At least 11 people were reportedly killed and 18 others wounded when gunmen opened fire on worshippers who had gathered early on Sunday (August 6) at St Philip’s Catholic Church in Ozubulu Nnewi diocese, Anambra State.
Police said they believe the attack may have been linked to drug trafficking and was carried out following a feud between local residents and member of the community living outside Nigeria.