By Jackson Udeani – The entire Ozubulu community in Ekwusigo Local Government Council area of Anambra state, South-East Nigeria, has been thrown into mourning, following early morning attack by unknown gunmen at St. Philips Catholic Church, killing dozens of worshippers.
Eyewitness said the gunmen stormed the church at about 5:45 a.m morning mass and identified a particular man alleged to be a drug baron, and shot him.
According to the eyewitness who would not want to be named, after opening fire on the man, the gunmen later went on a rampage, shooting at other worshipers numbering over 100.
It was gathered that no fewer than 40 worshippers were killed in the process, with several others sustaining injuries. Some were also said to have died on the way to the Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital, Nnewi.
The source, said the officiating priest of the mass was not wounded in the attack.
Meanwhile, the Anambra state Commissioner of Police, Garba Umar, who confirmed the attack condemned it as barbaric act, saying more details would be made public after investigations.
Our Correspondent reports that tension has enveloped the entire community and environ.
As at the time of this report, the Anambra state government has not made any official statement on the incident
Meanwhile, Anambra state governor, Willie Obiano, has visited the scene of the massacre.
He equally met with priests of the attacked church and victims’ families, after which he visited the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital in Nnewi where the injured were taken to.
Mr. Obiano also described the act as barbaric, assuring that the perpetrators cannot go unpunished.
