Archbishop denounces desecration by armed men who scattered worshippers
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Armed police invasion of St Peter’s Anglican Church Eziama Obaire in the Diocese of Orlu in Imo State on Monday has been condemned by the Most Rev David Onuoha, the Archbishop of Anglican Province of Owerri.
He denounced it as desecration of God’s sanctuary.
The officiating priest had barely concluded the celebration and administration of the Holy Eucharist, ready for the end of year thanksgiving, when armed men stormed the church, he narrated.
The police later explained that it was for the purpose of effecting an arrest, Onuoha added in a statement on Monday evening.
“Much as we are not concerned or interested in the reason for this invasion, which is unprecedented in the more than 160 years history of the church in this state, we are gravely worried and disturbed that worshippers were greatly frightened, worried, confused and completely disorganised by the presence of heavily armed security operatives in the church service thereby disrupting the worship of God’s people.
“That the police jumped inside the church in a gestapo style when the service was in full session is reprehensible, primitive, and highly condemnable.
“We are at a great loss why the police decided to throw caution to the wind and completely ignore internationally acclaimed rules of engagement and civility in this matter,” Onuoha said.
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Gunshots scatter worshippers
He recounted how sporadic gunshots outside the church building sent worshippers scampering in different directions, signaling an abrupt and chaotic end of the service.
Onuoha said the church supports and prays for the success of security personnel in the daunting task and challenge of securing lives and property in Imo.
He stressed, however, that every effort must be made to bring the perpetrators/sponsors of this crime against humanity to book, no matter how highly placed, as such acts can worsening the security challenges already being faced.
“The Church will in the next few days engage the Nigerian Police in a dialogue to truly understand the reasons behind this dastardly act and how to avoid a repeat occurrence.
“While this process is on, we urge all Christians to continue in prayers for God’s mercy on all of us and peace in our land.”