Killing of Catholic Priest ‘Barbaric, Unwarranted’ – Buhari Laments
BY EDMOND ODOK, ABUJA – President Muhammadu Buhari says the killing of Rev Father Paul Offu, the Parish Priest of St. James Greater Parish Catholic Church, Ugbawka in Enugu State is a ‘barbaric and unwarranted’ act that must not be condoned.
This is as the President assured the Catholic Church and Nigerians of intensified efforts at securing lives and property in the country.
Describing the incident as despicable, President Buhari directed all law enforcement agencies to fish out perpetrators of the heinous crime and bring them to justice speedily.
Speaking through Garba Shehu, his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, the President expressed deep shock and dismay over the killing of the priest, even as he ordered a thorough manhunt for the killers and their immediate prosecution.
The statement issued by Garba said; “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.”
The President therefore directed law enforcement agencies to act swiftly in their investigations and bring the perpetrators of the “horrific crime’’ to book.
However, admitting the worrying insecurity nationwide, President Buhari urged all religious leaders to pray for peace, healing and security of the country.
