Priests and Catholic faithful gathered on Monday to pray for victims of Sunday’s attack on St Philips Catholic Church, Ozubulu in Anambra State.
During a mass, led by the Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Most Reverend Hilary Okeke, and attended by reverend fathers and sisters as well as some church members, prayers were said for the repose of the souls of the dead and the quick recovery of the wounded.
Bishop Okeke explained that it was necessary to gather and assure the people of God’s presence and love despite the tragedy that befell them on Sunday.
He said, “We have come here to turn to God in confidence and in trust: for the dead, so that the dead will have eternal rest; for the wounded, so that they will have healing; for the parents and the families, that they may be consoled and helped in every way; for the parish, that the parish will have confidence in God and even though they have gone through this suffering that they will still know that God has not abandoned them.”
Gunmen had invaded the church on Sunday morning while the mass was ongoing and opened fire killing 12 worshippers and injuring many others.
The attack which shocked and threw the community into mourning has been widely condemned with many Nigerians calling on security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are made to face the law.
Acting President Yemi Osinbajo said in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr Laolu Akande, on Monday evening that those behind the attack will be made to face the law.
“The Acting President has been in touch with the Anambra State Governor, Willy Obiano, police authorities and other security agencies, and assures that the perpetrators of the heinous crimes would be brought to justice,” the statement read in part.
It added that Professor Osinbajo has been receiving regular updates on the status of investigations regarding the atrocious and mindless acts of violence.
