Ozubulu Church Attack: Catholic Bishops Regret Arms Proliferation in Nigeria

Ozubulu Church Attack:  Catholic Bishops Regret Arms Proliferation in Nigeria

As armed men last Sunday invaded a Catholic Church in Ozubulu, Anambra

State, and killed 11 persons, Catholic Bishops, Ibadan Province, have called on the federal government to curtail arms proliferation in the country, describing the scenario as an act killing the system.

The bishops condemned the gruesome murder of some Christians and commiserated with the people of state over the death.

The bishops spoke in a communiqué signed by  the Province President

and Secretary, Most Reverends Gabriel Abegunrin  and John Oyejola respectively,  at the end of their second  meeting held at Saint Kizito Pastoral Centre, Ede, Osun State yesterday.

They said: “We sympathise with the Reverend in charge of Nnewi

Diocese, Most Reverend Hillary Okeke, and the faithful of the diocese, the government and people of Anambra State as well as several families directly affected by the mass murder which occurred on August 6, 2017, at St Philip Catholic Church, Ozubulu.

“We uphold still the sanctity of every human life given by God and not to 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.

“The bottom line is that the security situation in Nigeria remains tenuous. We strongly condemn whatever may be at the root of this and similar occurrences.  Those who are charged with securing human lives and property in the nation must simply do more to protect the citizens. One must ask how murderers like the perpetrators of the

Ozubulu attack got 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 peace and that God may bring enduring peace to Nigeria. We also reiterate that the right of all Nigerians to freely adhere to any religion of their choice is sacrosanct and must be protected by all legitimate means.”

The clerics lamented the resurgence of Boko Haram activities in the North-east part of Nigeria, saying the criminal group seems to have returned with double strength to decimate the people.

“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,” the clergymen stated.

The body also backed the restructuring of the country, lamenting 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.”