The generating set suddenly developed a fault — witness speaks on Anambra church attack

Worshippers at St. Philips Catholic church in Ozubulu, Anambra state, were in darkness when a gunman invaded the church and opened fire on them.

An unidentified gunman had invaded the church during the 6:30 am mass, killing 12 worshippers and injuring many others.

A witness, who simply identified herself as a choir member, told NAN that the church was dark when the attacker invaded.

She said the generating set had suddenly developed a fault, prompting the congregation to use their candles while the mass continued.

She said the gunman had immediately jumped into a waiting car with a driver after he opened fire on the congregation.

Jude Onwuaso, the parish priest of the church – who was unhurt – said the gunman had first shot at a man – Akunwafor Ikegwuonwu – before shooting sporadically at other worshippers.

Garba Umar, the state commissioner of police, had said the attacker spoke in Igbo dialect while shooting the worshippers.

Umar said the attack was carried out by a native of the area.

“From our findings, it is very clear that the person who carried the attack must be an indigene of the area,” he had said.