Some suspected killers of Enugu State Catholic priest, Rev Fr
Paul Offu, were reportedly arrested by the police on Saturday.
However, the number of the suspects arrested could not be
ascertained as of the time of filing the report.
The state Commissioner of Police, Sulieman Balarabe, who
confirmed that they had made some arrests in connection with the
killing of the cleric, refused to disclose the number of suspects
arrested.
Offu was killed along Ihe-Agbudu Road in Awgu Local Government
Area of the state on Thursday night.
His killing came barely five months after Rev Fr Clement Ugwu,
the parish priest of St Mark Catholic Church, Obinofia Ndiuno in
Ezeagu Local Government Area of the state was killed.
Offu’s killing on Friday sparked a protest by Enugu Diocese
priests, calling for the government to protect life and property in
the state.
The protesters marched to the office of Governor Ifeanyi
Ugwuanyi, demanding justice.
Meanwhile, Buhari has ordered a manhunt for the killers of
Offu.
Offu was serving at St. James Greater Parish Catholic Church,
Ugbawka, Enugu State.
The Presidency, in a statement by Buhari’s Senior Special
Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu, on Saturday, said
the President condemned the attack and condoled with the
parishioners and family of the cleric.
The statement said, “President Buhari expresses deep shock and
dismay over the killing of another priest, ordering a thorough
manhunt for the killers and their immediate prosecution.
“The President commiserates with government and people of Enugu
State, family of Rev Fr. Offu and members of the parish and all
Christians.”
It said Buhari described the killing as “barbaric and
unwarranted’’, adding that his administration would step up the
fight against “lawlessness and recklessness.’’
The President said, “The entire nation is shaken by the horrible
assassination of this priest.
“The administration will continue to guarantee freedom of
religion and protect places of worship as well as the lives of
citizens wherever they live.”
The statement further said Buhari directed the security agencies
to “act swiftly in their investigations and bring the perpetrators
of the ‘horrific crime’ to book.”
He also urged all religious leaders to “pray for peace, healing
and security of the country.’’
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