OZUBULU YOUTHS PROTEST AGAINST THE REOPENING OF ST PHILIPS CATHOLIC CHURCH

… church reopens one week after attack on worshippers

Ozubulu youths under the aegis of Ozubulu Youths Association, OYA, have protested against the reopening of St Philips Catholic Church, AmakwaOzubulu, Anambra state barely a week after suspected gunmen attacked worshippers in the church. The youths marched from Ozubulu Motor Park opposite Ekwusigo Local Government headquarters,through the villages in the community to Ozubulu Police station.

The protest also took the angry youths to the palace of the traditional ruler of the community, Obi Fidelis Oruche before they retired to the park. They expressed displeasure over the attack on innocent people of the community. Addressing newsmen shortly after the peaceful protest, the President of the Association, Comrade EmekaAnekwe, explained that it was worrisome that the church where over thirteen people were gruesomely killed by gunmen would be reopened for service, one week after the attack.

According to him, investigations into the matter have not been concluded contrary to the earlier promise by the Nnewi Diocese that it will be closed temporarily until the police command concludes its investigations. Comrade Anekwe who condemned the attack on the innocent worshippers said youths of Ozubulu were concerned about the attack as the community now live in fear.

He alleged that some ugly things were happening because the elders of the town had neglected the youths for so long and maintained that they would no longer accept such from them. Comrade Anekwe pleaded with the police to unmask those behind the killing of their people worshiping in the church.

KEVIN EKEDIEGWU