Yesterday, 6th of August, 2017, an incident that could be best described as bloody took place in a catholic church in Anambra at the early hours of service. About 11 people were pronounced dead with several injured after a gun man sprayed the worshippers with bullets incessantly.
This has brought a lot of reactions from the leaders of the church, Leaders of Nigeria, other worshippers and citizens of the country describing it as a horrible situation and a story not to be heard of, as reasons for this development was unknown.
However, further researches have revealed what could have led to this shocking situation.
Our correspondents gathered that two sons of the community, who were based in South Africa, had a business transaction that went sour.
One of them was said to have built two churches for the community, including the one that was attacked on Sunday.
A police source said about six gunmen came to the church, while one entered into the building.
He said, “We received reports that over 30 Ozubulu indigenes based in South Africa had been killed over a disagreement between a man, identified as bishop, and his fellow Ozobulu indigene. It was said that the feud concerned a failed business deal.
“We understand that some gunmen had been after bishop and his men in South Africa and about seven of bishop’s men had been killed.
“At about 6am this morning (Sunday), some men invaded St. Philip Catholic Church.
“As of 9am, 11 persons were already dead, including the father of the man that allegedly built the church.
“The men killed the father since the son is elusive.”
Furthermore, The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi, Anambra, has released a statement describing Sunday’s attack on worshippers at St. Philip’s Catholic Church, Ozubulu, by a gunman as regrettable.
In a statement signed by the diocese Director of Communication, Rev. Hygi Aghaulor, the church said that the Parish Priest, Rev Fr. Jude Onwuaso escaped unhurt.
The statement said, “It is regrettable that our people are more and more losing 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.”