Abominable, Barbaric and Inhuman: Gunmen Kill Worshippers in Anambra Church
Gunmen attacked St. Philip’s Catholic Church in Ozubulu, Anambra State, on Sunday morning, August 6, killing several worshippers.
The attack happened during morning mass at the church in Ekusigo Local Government Area. Panic spread as worshippers ran for safety.
Dogara Condemns the Killings
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, strongly condemned the attack. He described the killings as abominable, barbaric, and inhuman.
Dogara questioned the loss of human values in society. He asked why innocent worshippers deserved such brutality inside a place of worship.
What Eyewitnesses Said
An eyewitness said the gunmen first searched for a man known as “Bishop” and his father at their home.
When they failed to find them, the attackers moved to the church, which the witness claimed the man built.
The gunmen reportedly switched off the church generator before shooting wildly while searching for their targets.
"Give thanks to the Lord for He is good: His love endures forever."
The eyewitness warned youths to avoid hard drugs, suggesting substance abuse influenced the attackers’ actions.
Conflicting Death Figures
Vanguard newspaper reported that 15 people died, while 21 others sustained injuries.
Some media outlets, however, claimed the death toll rose to 29.
A staff member at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital later confirmed 12 deaths. Doctors treated several others for gunshot wounds.
Police and Rights Groups Speak
Anambra State Police Commissioner, Garba Umar, linked the attack to a local feud.
He said the gunmen targeted a specific individual believed to be among the worshippers.
Human rights activist Emeka Umeagbalasi supported the police account. He said the attackers opened fire after failing to locate their target.
Another eyewitness, Chukwuma Emeka, said he saw bodies lying in pools of blood inside the church.
Authorities Rule Out Terrorism
Security agencies ruled out Boko Haram involvement. Attacks on churches remain rare in southern Nigeria.
Dogara urged security agencies to arrest the perpetrators quickly. He also offered condolences to the victims’ families and the Catholic Church.
