The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Anambra

  • Islamic group condemns killing of worshipers in Anambra

    Islamic group condemns killing of worshipers in Anambra

    The Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria on Monday condemned in strong terms the Sunday’s killings in St. Philip’s Catholic Church, Ozubulu, near Nnewi, Anambra.

    A gunman stormed the church and killed at least eight worshipers and injured 18 people.

    The group made the condemnation in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday by its National Coordinator, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi.

    Abdullahi described the perpetrators as dare-devil murderers who stormed Ozubulu Catholic Church in Anambra State and killed scores of people during an early-morning mass.

    “This is the hand work of terrorists within the community who were reportedly living abroad but came home for what only God knows.

    “The Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria condemns in strong terms this sacrilegious and terrible act.

    “This crime must be properly investigated and culprits should be urgently arrested before they escape from the community.’’

    According to Abdullahi, it is commendable that the Police in Anambra State have useful information on the background to the crime as narrated by the Anambra State Commissioner of Police.

    “This information should be properly processed to give a lasting solution to addressing acts of terrorism of this nature which must not go unpunished.

    “Meanwhile, the elites in our midst sending their children and wards abroad to study, must examine the negative aspects of their action on their children.

    “Some of which include bad culture of killing innocent people with reckless abandon, joining irresponsible clubs where crimes are perpetrated to revenge certain acts, use of dangerous drugs and various acts of terrorism.’’

    The national coordinator said that wealth should be channeled to positive ventures such as teaching the children the way of God and worshipping of Him whole-heartedly.

    According to him, children should acquire the training they are given on how to imbibe and practice good character in addition to educational pursuit.

    “All these could be achieved here in Nigeria easily.

    “Parents and guardians living in the country should as well discourage their children from watching dangerous movies which serves as training ground from breeding criminally-minded children,’’ Abdullahi said.

  • Anambra Massacre: Bring perpetrators to justice, Saraki, Ekweremadu urge police

    Anambra Massacre: Bring perpetrators to justice, Saraki, Ekweremadu urge police

    The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, has expressed sadness over the killing of some worshipers at St. Philip’s Catholic Church, Ozubulu, Anambra, on Sunday.

    The Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, also condemned the tragedy and called for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

    Saraki, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, stated that the killing of worshippers was evil.

    He called on security operatives to bring perpetrators of the crime to justice.

    “Today, my heart goes out to Nigeria’s Christian community, Gov. Willy Obiano, the people of Anambra and the families of the victims and the survivors of this terrible massacre.

    “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 is brought to book by the strong arm of justice.

    “The Senate will continue to offer assistance in this endeavour because today, all of us as Nigerians have been attacked by this senseless act committed by evil people,” he said.

    Saraki further urged security agencies in the country to step up their intelligence activities to prevent activities of criminals.

    He also called on security agencies to unravel any crime committed against Nigerians by undesirable elements in the society.

  • Ozubulu church attack: Buhari calls Obiano

    Ozubulu church attack: Buhari calls Obiano

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday night made a telephone call to Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra to commiserate with him and people of the State over the Ozubulu Church attack.

    The Sunday early morning attack on St. Philip Catholic Church, Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area had claimed the lives of 11 worshippers and 18 others injured.

    Buhari had earlier in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity Malam Garba Shehu condemned the attack, describing the incident as “an appalling crime against humanity and unspeakable sacrilege”.

    In the statement, the President said that “there was no justification whatsoever to target Church worshippers and kill them in cold blood.’’

    He expressed his deep sympathy with the families of the victims, the Church leadership and the government of Anambra.

    However, barely two hours after the release of the President’s statement on the incident, Shehu also confirmed that the President had a telephone conversation with Gov. Obiano where he commiserated with him, families of the victims as well as the people of the state.

    He said: “The President has just finished speaking to Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State, in the course of which he commiserated with him, the famines of the victims and the citizens of the state over the tragic shooting incident this morning.’’

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Gov. Obiano was quoted as saying that the Ozubulu killings was a result of a dispute between two sons of the area and vowed that all those behind the act would be apprehended.

    The Commissioner of Police in charge of Anambra, Mr Garba Umar, also in an interview with newsmen in Awka on Sunday, revealed that the police had launched a manhunt on those behind the incident and gave an assurance that everybody behind the act would be brought to justice.

  • Anambra Church attack unspeakable sacrilege, says Buhari

    Anambra Church attack unspeakable sacrilege, says Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the Ozubulu Church attack in Anambra State by a yet to be identified gunmen, describing the incident as “an appalling crime against humanity and unspeakable sacrilege.”

    The President expressed his grief in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Sunday.

    President Buhari said that “there was no justification whatsoever to target Church worshippers and kill them in cold blood.’’

    He said this kind of atrocity “plumbs the depth of depravity and extreme cruelty of the kind that words cannot adequately express.’’

    According to the President, there is no religion that does not lay constant emphasis on the sanctity of life, and that “all Nigerians must rise up and speak with one voice against these remorseless evil men.’’

    The President expressed his deepest sympathy with the families of the victims, the Church leadership and the government of Anambra state.

    He reassured all Nigerians of his administration’s firm and uncompromising commitment to protect their lives and properties at all times.

    The  police in Anambra on Sunday confirmed that a gunman killed 11 worshippers and injured 18 others in an early morning attack on St. Philip Catholic Church, Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area.

    The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Garba Umar, told newsmen that the remains of the dead had been deposited at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi.

    He said the police had launched a manhunt on those behind the act and gave an assurance that everybody behind the act would be brought to justice.

    Umar described any insinuation that the attack was carried out by Boko Haram elements as false and urged the people to go about their normal businesses.
    He said the police were on top of the situation.’’(NAN)

  • Anambra church shooting regrettable- Catholic Diocese

    Anambra church shooting regrettable- Catholic Diocese

    The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi, Anambra, has described Sunday’s attack on worshippers at St. Philip’s Catholic Church, Ozubulu, by a gunman as regrettable.

    The church, in a statement signed by Rev. Hygi Aghaulor, Director of Communications of the Diocese, and available to newsmen, said that the Parish Priest, Rev Fr. Jude Onwuaso escaped unhurt.

    He described the act as a sign of loss of what is sacred and consoled the families of victims of the attack.

    “It is regrettable that our people are more and more loosing a sense of what is sacred.

    “What on earth would make people open fire on innocent unarmed worshippers including children and women on a Sunday morning?

    “We condemn this ungodly act in its totality; we pray Almighty God to console the families affected and assure them that our hearts are with them as we pray for the quick recovery of the wounded.

    “For the entire parishioners, we call on them not to be discouraged in their usual practice of faith.

    “It is when the forces of darkness attempt to overshadow goodness that the light of God shines even brighter than ever just as it happened on Easter Sunday.

    “Evil may make attempts but God and goodness will always triumph; we call on the good people to continue to pray for the deceased worshippers and their families,” Aghaulor stated.

    Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state Mr Garba Umar, has said that the command would leave no turn unturned to bring the attackers to justice.

    Umar, who spoke at a news conference in Awka on Sunday, gave the updated figures of casualties as 11 dead and 18 injured.

    He ruled out the possibility of a terror attack, and spoke about an isolated feud between individuals in the community.

    He said that the command had invited some suspects who would be useful to the investigation.

    The CP advised residents to go about their lawful businesses, assuring them that churches and public places were safe.

    “At about 6.30 a.m. today, Aug. 6, I got a distress call that gunmen had invaded and shot at worshippers at St. Philips Catholic Church, Umuezekwe, Ofufe, Amakwa Village in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Located Government Area.

    “As a result I, the Commissioner of Police, led my operatives immediately to the scene to rescue worshippers.

    “The command, under my watch, will leave no stone unturned in locating and prosecuting those behind the massacre of innocent worshippers.

    “The intelligence report and preliminary investigation showed that the incident was as a result of a feud between two individuals from the same community living outside Nigeria.

    “One of the individuals built the church where the shooting occurred; it is definitely not a terrorist attack in the mould of Boko Haram or Fulani herdsmen attack.

    “The command will brief the public after investigation is concluded; I commiserate with all those who lost their loved ones in this unfortunate incident.

    “I also encourage `ndi’ Anambra to be vigilant and to promptly report suspicious movements or strange observation of persons and actions in their localities to the security agencies.’’ Umar said.

  • Unveil Anambra Church killers urgently, Ngige urges security agents

    Unveil Anambra Church killers urgently, Ngige urges security agents

    The Minister of Labour and  Employment, Senator Chris Ngige wants security agents to urgently unravel the circumstances surrounding the murder of innocent worshipers at  St. Philips Catholic Church Ozubulu,  Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State on Sunday.

    In a condolence message to the Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, His Lordship,  Dr. Hilary Odili Okeke, the Metropolitan Bishop of Onitsha, His Grace Dr. Valeria Okeke , the clergies and faithfuls, as well as  the good people of Ozubulu, the Minister described the killings as wicked, dastardly and unwarranted. 

    ” This killing, so dastardly and so wicked is a dangerous dimension which is very  alien to our people and culture. I therefore call on the police and other relevant security agencies to leave no stone unturned in tracking down the murderers and bringing them to justice”

    “If justice is a virtue  that observes the right of all,  then, justice must be given  to these innocent worshippers at any cost,” Ngige said.

    The Minister further called  for prayers for the repose of the souls of the slain worshipers, fortitude to the families left behind and quick recovery of those that sustained injuries in that unfortunate incident.

  • How killer shot Church members – Reverend

    How killer shot Church members – Reverend

    More details have emerged on Sunday’s shooting incident at the St.Philip Catholic Church,  Ozubulu, near Nnewi in Anambra state where eight persons were confirmed dead and and 18 others injured.

    The Parish Priest Reverend. Fr. Jude Onwuaso said that the attack took place at about 6.30 a.m. during a Holy Mass celebration.

    According to the priest, an unidentified man came into the Church, shot at a man, Chief Akunwafor Ikegwuonwu, before shooting sporadically at other worshippers.

    An eyewitness, who simply identified herself as a choir member, said that the church was dark as there was no light.

    She said that the generating set suddenly developed fault; so, the mass proceeded with the congregation using candles.

    According to her, the gunman, after the shooting, immediately jumped into a waiting car with a driver.

    Governor Willie Obiano  has however  vowed not to rest until the perpetrators of the killing are brought to justice.

    Obiano made the vow when he visited the scene of the killings in company of the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Garba Umar.

    The governor expressed grief over the death of the worshippers, describing the attack as “barbaric, sacrilegious and totally unacceptable”, while also debunking speculations of possible invasion.

    According to him, intelligence report linked the shooting to an existing feud existing between some members of Umuezekwe Ofufe Amakwa community of Ozubulu living abroad.

    “It is an isolated case and I urge worshippers in the Church and residents of the area to go about their normal activities.”

    Obiano assured the community that his administration was on top of the situation and later visited the injured persons receiving treatment at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Univerity Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi.

    He promised that the state government would pay the hospital bills of the victims.

    He also said that 50 doctors had been mobilised to the hospital to assist in providing the best medical care to the injured persons.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor also visited Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Cathedral, Nnewi, where he addressed a congregation of worshippers.

    He intimated the worshippers on the true picture of the incident, saying there was nothing to worry about.

     

     

  • APC condemns Anambra Church Killings

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) commiserated with the Catholic Church in Nigeria, the government and people of Anambra State over the attack on St. Phillips Catholic Church in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, which led to the death of scores of worshipers.

     The party in a statement condemned the barbarism displayed by the callous attackers who gunned down defenceless people while they worshiped.

     It called on security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are promptly apprehended and brought to justice.

     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.

  • VC hails Math dept’s feat in quiz, sport contests

    VC hails Math dept’s feat in quiz, sport contests

    The Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State, Prof Joseph Ahaneku, has praised the Department of Mathematics for its students’ “good performance” at the just-concluded conference of the National Association of Mathematical Sciences Students of Nigeria (NAMSSN) in Abuja.

    The conference featured a quiz, beauty pageant and sport competitions, in which the UNIZIK students was one of the top winners.

    The VC received the students and the department’s staff, led by the Acting Head of Department, Dr. Donald Okoli, in his office. Congratulating the students, Prof Ahaneku said the university had become a centre of academic excellence, given the strides of its students and lecturers in various endeavours.

    By distinguishing themselves in the competition, the VC said the students had projected the good image of the school. He praised the staff of the department for mentoring the students to achieve excellence. He surprised the students with cash prizes.

    Dr. Okoli said the students did not just emerge top in the quiz contest, but also excelled in other competitions. He listed the prizes won by the students to include first position in soccer contest, Best Player Prize and Best Defender Prize in football.

    Others include highest goal scorer, best goalkeeper, first position in the Miss NAMSSN beauty pageant and first runner-up in chess contest.

    The students, who represented the school, were Charlesdan Arazu, Blessing Nwonu, Chukwuma Onu, Joshua Iloka and Clement Okoli. Others are Ukamaka Nnebue, Amarachi Ifechukwu, Solomon Uchendu, Judith Amobi and Stanley Ejiofor.

  • Ex-minister: election will hold in Anambra

    •Picks N5m UPP nomination form in Abuja

    Former Minister of Aviation Osita Chidoka has expressed disappointment over threats by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), that the November 18 Anambra governorship election will not hold.

    According to him, IPOB is forcing a dialogue on referendum, saying the election will hold on November 18, despite the threat.

    Chidoka spoke in Abuja after picking the nomination form of the United Progressive Party (UPP), to enable him run as the governorship candidate.

    His words: “Building a nation is not a day’s job, not a decade or century’s job. It is work in progress. Today I pick the nomination form of United Progressive Party (UPP); I will want to mobilise governance in Anambra State. “Governance in Anambra today is a celebration of the ordinary; and we want to move away from celebrating the ordinary to a state whose potentials are made manifest. We want a state that is transparent; we will arrest poverty and ensure justice.

    “I believe IPOB is forcing a dialogue on referendum in Nigeria; it is pushing an agenda to say it wants a date for referendum, and I believe they know that for you to exercise the powers of a referendum, you need to be a registered voter. And one of the ways to show you have a majority for a referendum is to participate in the political process. I believe when they understand the implications of their threat, they will eventually change their point of view.”

    The party’s National Chairman, Chief Chekwas Okorie, said IPOB’s leadership is not well informed about the referendum process, adding that it will be suicidal if the election does not hold.