Anambra church attack an ‘unspeakable sacrilege’, says Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the attack on St. Philip’s Catholic church, Ozubulu in Anambra state, describing it as “unspeakable sacrilege.”

An unidentified gunman had invaded the church during the 6:30 am mass on Sunday, opening fire on the worshippers.

At least 12 people were killed in the attack, while 18 sustained injuries.

In a statement by Garba Shehu, senior special assistant to the president on media and publicity, Buhari said the attack was totally unjustified.

He described the incident as “an appalling crime against humanity.”

Buhari also condoled with the families of the victims, the church leadership and the Anambra state government of

According to him, such attack “plumbs the depth of depravity and extreme cruelty of the kind that words cannot adequately express”.

While calling on all Nigerians to “rise up and speak with one voice against these remorseless evil men,” the president said every religion in the world lays constant emphasis on the sanctity of life.

Willie Obiano, governor of the state, had said preliminary investigations showed that the shooting was caused by a feud between two brothers.

“This is sacrilegious, totally unacceptable in Anambra State. We can’t allow this happen in Anambra, we must get everyone involved to face the music,” the governor said in a statement issued by Ifeanyi Aniagoh, his spokesman.