News

Pope Reacts To Ozubulu Church Massacre

Published

7 years ago

August 8, 2017

Pope Francis has conveyed his sympathy to families of victims of ‘Ozubulu Church Massacre’, which left 11 people dead and several more wounded.

In an Aug. 7 telegram addressed to Bishop Hilary Paul Odili Okeke of Nnewi, Pope Francis said he was “deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and injury following the violent attack in Saint Philip’s Catholic Church, Ozubulu.”

Catholicnewsagency reports that the Pope extended his “heartfelt condolences to you and to all the faithful of the Diocese of Nnewi, in particular the families of the deceased and all those affected by this tragedy,” and offered blessings of “consolation and strength” upon the entire diocese.

No one has yet claimed responsibility, the attack is believed to have been the result of either a private feud or drug-trafficking.

Reports conflict as to whether there were one or two gunmen involved, however, police have begun a manhunt in the area in the hopes of finding those responsible.