President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled the Catholic Church in Nigeria over the killing of Rev. Fr. Paul Offu, the Priest of St. James Greater Parish Catholic Church, Ugbawka, Enugu State by suspected herdsmen, describing the act as, “barbaric and unwarranted.”
Recall that The legend had reported yesterday that the cleric was killed by suspected herdmen.
A statement we recieved on Saturday from the Presidential Spokesman, Garba Shehu, said that “President Buhari expressed deep shock and dismay over the killing of another priest, ordering a thorough manhunt for the killers and their immediate prosecution.
“The President commiserates with government and people of Enugu State, family of Rev Fr. Offu and members of the parish and all Christians.”
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.
Directing law enforcement agencies to act swiftly in their investigations and bring the perpetrators of the “horrific crime’’ to book, the President calls on all religious leaders to pray for peace, healing and security of the country.