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Tag: Ozubulu

  • Ozubulu: Three high-profile suspects in police net

    Ozubulu: Three high-profile suspects in police net

    •They are wealthy but have no identifiable means of livelihood’
    •Catholic Church has forgiven brains behind attack, says Bishop
    •Osinbajo sends high-powered delegation to horror scene

    The Police now have in their custody three suspects linked to last Sunday’s massacre at St Philip’s Catholic Church, Ozubulu, Anambra State.

    The suspects are said to be very wealthy but with no identifiable means of income.

    Police spokesman, Moshood Jimoh, who confirmed the arrest however declined to reveal the identities of the suspects.

    He spoke as the Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Dr. Hilary Okeke said the Church has forgiven the brains behind the attack.

    Okeke, receiving  a presidential  delegation during a sympathy visit in Nnewi, however said the forgiveness does not in any way preclude government from fishing out the perpetrators and bringing them to book.

    Jimoh also said the Police will not dignify any suspect with the term high profile, pointing out that anyone who violates the law of the land is liable to be arrested and charged accordingly.

    “The arrested suspects have no identifiable means of income and they completely have no explanation as to their means of livelihood,” Jimoh told The Nation in Abuja.

    “No doubt, when people do things relating to the offence of drug-running, they do not have a recognized means of livelihood.

    “I would not want to say that they are ‘big men’ because anybody can claim to be big but once you commit crime, even if people in the society say you are a big man, it is the duty of the police to hold you and take you before the law. The process is not a respecter of anyone’s social standing.

    “They are leading us further in our investigation into the crime. What happened was a vicious and condemnable act in a place of worship. It is criminal and reprehensible to go and attack worshippers and kill people, no matter what issue prompted any feud.

    “All the perpetrators of such crimes would definitely be arrested and prosecuted. I want to assure Nigerians that whether they are in Nigeria or any other country, the Nigeria police and Interpol will get them anywhere they are.

    “We will get anybody who had a hand in committing this offence; anyone who participated in any way and anyone who gives custody to the perpetrator or hides him has flouted the law. Such a person would be culpable.

    “The process of the law would be firmly followed without compromise towards ensuring that we bring the criminals behind the Ozubulu incident to justice.”

    And welcoming the Presidential team led by Labour and Employment Minister Chris Ngige in Nnewi yesterday, Bishop Okeke hailed the federal government for responding promptly to the Ozubulu incident.

    He said that the federal government had by the gesture, shown that it had the interest of all sections of the country at heart in spite of differences in religion, creed and political affiliations.

    He said that the incident claimed the lives of 13 people, while 26 others sustained various degrees of injury.

    The bishop said that the church had set up a trust fund to assist the victims, adding that government was free to add its own contribution.

    Ngige, a former governor of the state said that the delegation was in the state to condole with the people and government of Anambra.

    He said that President Muhammadu Buhari was much concerned about the incident and that the government would bring the perpetrators to book.

    He pledged that government “will do everything to track the perpetrators,” and pledged its commitment to the safety of Nigerians every where they reside.

    Others on the entourage were Health Minister Prof Isaac Adewole; Foreign Affairs Minister Geoffrey Onyeama; Minister of State for Education Anthony Anwukah; and Minister of State for Environment Ibrahim Jibrin.

    The delegation visited St Philips Catholic, the scene of the incident, in Ozubulu.

    They were scheduled to deliver to Governor Willier Obiano a letter of condolence from Acting President Yemi Osinbajo.

    Osinbajo, in the letter, commiserated with the families and friends of the victims, as well as the Ozubulu community for the loss and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

    He condemned in very strong terms the atrocious and dastardly act which he said has brought sorrow to many innocent families.

    “Such barbaric act constitutes an affront to our common humanity and it challenges, but will not overwhelm our collective resolve to rid our communities of all forms of violent crimes and criminality,” he said.

    Osinbajo said President Buhari’s administration remains committed to deploying all available resources towards ensuring adequate security of lives and property in Anambra State and across the entire country.

    He also informed that he had instructed law enforcement agencies to bring perpetrators of the heinous crime to justice without any delay.

    Unknown gunmen had on Aug. 6 invaded the church during morning Mass and opened fire on worshippers.

     

  • Catholic bishops condemn Ozubulu massacre

    Catholic bishops in the Southwest have condemned Sunday’s massacre at St. Philip’s Church, Ozubulu in Anambra State, urging governments at all levels to do more on security of life and property.

    Describing the Ozubulu mass murder as “callous and horrendous”, the bishops who expressed sadness on the security situation in Nigeria, also regretted what they called the resurgence of terrorism in the Northeast with the recent attacks by Boko Haram insurgents.

    Acting under the aegis of Catholic Bishops of Ibadan Province, the clerics who canvassed genuine restructuring of the country said “it is regrettable that an issue of such importance that should be an issue of justice can be subjected to so much intellectual gymnastics, political sentiments and personal interest.”

    The communique signed by the President, Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin and Secretary, Most Rev. John Oyejola, was made available to reporters in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday by the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Rev. Felix Ajakaye. It was titled: “The Church and the Travails of a Growing Nation.”

    The bishops said, “We commiserate with the Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Most Rev. 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 notto 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.

    “Different accounts have been given to analyse the mayhem. 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.”

    On renewed attacks by insurgents, the bishop said: “We regret the recent resurgence of Boko Haram activities in the North Eastern part of Nigeria. The criminal group seems to have returned with double strength. 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.”

    On restructuring, they said: “The ongoing discourse about restructuring in Nigeria has gathered considerable momentum. In the process, different definitions have emerged on what restructuring could mean and what form such a process should take.

    “It is regrettable that an issue of such importance that should be an issue of justice can be subjected to so much intellectual gymnastics, political sentiments and personal interest. Most people in Nigeria agree that, as it is currently constituted, our country is simply not serving the development and self-realization of most of its citizens and therefore needs to be revisited.

    “In other words, let all of us, leaders and people agree to jettison political machinations and self-serving interests and restructure Nigeria according to the laws of equity and justice. We will thus be saving our own lives and the future.”

  • Anambra killing, barbaric, shocking –  Bayelsa govt

    Anambra killing, barbaric, shocking –  Bayelsa govt

    The Bayelsa State Government, on Tuesday, condemned the shooting incident at St. Philips Catholic Church, Ozubulu, in Anambra State, describing it as barbaric and shocking.

    In a condolence message signed by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Jonathan Obuebite, the government said the incident was most disheartening.

    The statement said: “We condemn in very strong terms the killing of innocent worshippers last Sunday morning at the St. Philips Catholic Church, Ozubulu in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State”.

    “We condole with Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State, the families of the dead, the entire Christian community as well as the Government and people of the state.

    “While, commending the Anambra State Government and Police for the steps so far taken to bring the perpetrators to book, we call for greater vigilance on the part of the law enforcement agencies to check future occurrences”.

  • 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.

  • Buhari condemns Ozubulu attack

    Buhari condemns Ozubulu attack

    President Muhammadu Buhari last night condemned the Ozubulu Church attack.

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

    President Buhari said “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.