Buhari condemns killing of Catholic Priest in Enugu

President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday condemned the murder of Paul Offu, the Parish Priest of St. James Greater Parish Catholic Church, Ugbawka, Enugu State, who was allegedly killed by suspected unidentified bandits

The President, in a condolence statement, expressed deep shock and dismay over the killing of another priest, ordering a thorough manhunt for the killers and their immediate prosecution.

The President, while commiserating with government and people of Enugu State, the family of the Priest and members of the parish and all Christians, described the killing of the priest as “barbaric and unwarranted.”

President Buhari assured the Catholic Church and all Nigerians that the fight against “lawlessness and recklessness’’ will be intensified as security of lives and property continues to top his priorities.

“The entire nation is shaken by the horrible assassination of this priest. The administration will continue to guarantee the freedom of religion and protect places of worship as well as the lives of citizens wherever they live,” he added.

He directed the law enforcement agencies to act swiftly in their investigations and bring the perpetrators of the “horrific crime’’ to book and also called on all religious leaders to pray for peace, healing, and security of the country.

The killing is coming on the heels of recent resolve by the President to deploy technology, including Close circuit TV cameras and drones in security surveillance in the wake of increasing kidnappings and armed banditry across the country.

The death of Fr. Offu who was shot dead along Ihe-Agbudu Road in Awgu, is said to be the second in five months, as the same people were said to have killed Fr Clement Ugwu, the parish priest of St Mark Catholic Church, also in Enugu State, following his kidnap on March 20. His decomposing remains were later found in a bush after a one-week search by his parishioners.

In a swift reaction, the entire Catholic community in Enugu State embarked on a state-wide protest on Friday to drive home their anger over the unabated attacks by the rampaging bandits.