One Week After Massacre, Ozubulu Church Re-Opens

The Catholic Church in Ozubulu, Anambra Sate where the unfortunate incident that claimed over 13 lives occurred has resumed services.

The St. Philips Catholic Church was sealed after the August 6 massacre which caused 20 others various degrees of injury.

Recall that an armed man stormed the church on the said date, killing worshipers during early morning service.

A News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, correspondent, who attended the church service, reports that there was an initial low turn-out of parishioners but the attendance later picked up.

The service was attended by officials of the state government led by the Secretary to the State Government, Solo Chukwulobelu.

Also, present at the Mass was Aloysius Ikegwuonu, popularly called ‘Bishop” and one of the chieftains of the village, who was alleged to have been the target of the August 6 attack.

The Parish Priest, Jude Onwuaso encouraged parishioners not to be deterred by August 6 attack, adding that “God is still on the throne”.

Meanwhile, there was panic among worshippers of Assemblies of God Church, Oguta Road, Onitsha, yesterday, after gunmen stormed the area shooting two to death.

The gunmen allegedly shot a policeman and civilian at a checkpoint close to the church.

Confirming the attack, spokesperson of Anambra State Police Command, ASP Nkiruka Nwode, said the incident was a confrontation between some policemen on patrol along Oguta Road and hoodlums in masquerade outfit.

In a statement issued by the command, ASP Nwode said, “I have the authority of the Commissioner of Police, Garba Baba Umar, to intimate you on the incident that happened today (yesterday) at Oguta Road, Onitsha.

“At about 1030 hrs, gunmen in disguise as masquerades attacked policemen on foot patrol, and opened fire on them. The team of policemen responded swiftly and arrested one, while others on the run are being trailed and would soon be apprehended.

“Unfortunately, one of the policemen was critically injured and has since been taken to the hospital for proper medical care.

“CP Garba warns perpetrators and would-be perpetrators to desist from acts of crime as the command will not hesitate to deal with anyone found committing any act of crime in Anambra State, in accordance with the provisions of the law.

“He also advised parents to restrain their children and wards from engaging in acts capable of ruining their future.

“The commissioner, while imploring Ndi Anambra to assist the police in its responsibilities of safeguarding the state by reporting suspicious movements in their localities promptly, promised that the command will not relent in its drive till all criminals relocate from the state.”