By Chimezie Anaso
The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi has released identity of victims of the drug barons’ war which led to the attack of St. Philips Catholic Church, Ozubulu on Aug. 6.
The Diocese also launched a victims’ support fund to cater for those involved in the attack on worshipers.
According to the Diocese those who lost their lives are Mr Cyprian Ikegwuonu, Mr Hyacinth Oramadike, Mrs Cecilia Ewin, Mrs Eunice Akanigbo, Mrs Rose Okoye, Mrs Anulika Oramadike, Mrs Uchenna Oramadike and Mrs Anthonia Ufondu.
The rest are Miss Oluchukwu Uhelu, Miss Christiana Igbeja, Mrs Udeze Pauline, Mrs Victoria Uzokwe and Mrs Florence Nweke.
The 20 were at various units of medical attention included Ikegwuonu Caroline (f), Nwakile Anthonia(f), Okoye Odinaka (m), Okoye Patricia(f), Isaac Chinedu(m), Oramadike Chinagorom(m), Oramadike Chinecherem(f) Udegbunam Chidimma(f) and Ndulue Samuel(m).
Others are Udegbunam Obiageli(f), Ugochi Obiajulu(f) Chukwueloka Chinese, Oramadike Chioma(f), Azuka Basil(m) and Oramadike Chiamaka(f).
The list also includes Uchechukwu Chukwuemeka, Nwanya Ngozi, Ngwuta Chinemelum, Asomba Chukwudum and Nnudule Leonard(m).
Those discharged from hospital are Muomah Michael(m) and Oramadike Favour(f).
The Bishop of the Diocese, Most Rev. Hillary Okeke, who was represented by Rev. Fr. Hygi Aghaulor, Director of Social Communications of the Diocese, made the announcement in Nnewi on Wednesday.
“The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi has decided to do all it can to help the victims of the gunmen attack in St. Philip’s Catholic Church, Ozubulu.
“To do that, the Diocese has opened a bank account to which all funds for the care of the victims will be deposited for proper accountability.
“The Name of the account: CDN OZUBULU CASUALTIES CHARITY FUND
Bank: UBA PLC (NNEWI)
“Account Number: 1020519192.
Meanwhile, the Anambra Traditional Rulers Council wants the state government to urgently constitute a high powered Commission of Inquiry into the immediate and remote causes of the church killings in Ozubulu.
A communiqué signed by the Chairman, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, Obi of Onitsha, Prof. Chukwuemeka Ike, Eze Ndikelionwu, (deputy South), Igwe S. I. Okafor and Igwe Chuma Onyia was issued after the council’s monthly meeting in Awka.
They said that such commission should be vested with powers to thoroughly investigate the immediate and remote causes of the unfortunate event and make recommendations.
According to the monarchs, now is not the time for hate talks but a period of mourning and sober reflection.
“We are particularly concerned that this criminal act took place during service in a place of worship and its a most ungodly act and a desecration of the highest order of a dedicated place of worship.
“We condemn in the strongest terms such dastardly and cowardly act of wasting the lives of innocent fellow human beings, and affirm that the Almighty God is the sole giver of life and it is not in the power of any human being to unlawfully waste the lives of others.
“We call on the law enforcement authorities to without fear or favour, spare no effort or time in arresting and bringing to justice everyone who was directly or indirectly involved in perpetrating this beastly act,’’ the communiqué said.
The traditional rulers, cautioned people against making unguarded statements that would inflame emotions.
They lauded Gov. Willie Obiano of Ànambra for his prompt response and proactive address to the people to remain calm while investigations continue into the matter.
They also called on the government and people of the state to set aside a date for interdenominational mourning of the dead and supplication for God’s intervention to avert a re-occurrence in the state. (NAN)
