From: David Onwuchekwa, Nnewi
About injured victims of the Ozubulu church massacre have received a cash relief of N50,000 each. The money was given to them in the various hospitals they were admitted including Nnewi, Ozubulu and Oba.
This was disclosed by the Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Most Rev. Hilary Odili Okeke, on Tuesday, in Nnewi, Anambra State.
Menawhile, a 10-man Ozubulu Casualty Committee has been constituted by Bishop Okeke to handle welfare of the injured victims of the attack.
Members of the committee are Monsignor Patrick Ezeobata, Chairman; Rev Fr Jude Onwuaso; Rev Fr Donald Chukwudolue; Rev Fr Joe Onyema; Fr Cajetan Obodozie; Brother Cyprian Oneni; Sister Theresa Martin; Mrs Juliana Arazu; Mrs Uju Azuka and Dr. Sylvester Igwilo.
Bishop Okeke, who addressed journalists at Bishop’s House, Assumption Cathedral, Okwuana, Nnewi, said that the committee would visit all the injured at different hospitals, know their needs with a view to helping them.
He noted that the committee has the mandate to ensure that every help provided by groups and individuals to the victims would be deposited into a central account called Ozubulu Casualty Charity Fund provided by the committee.
“Many people and groups in the church are helping the victims. State Government has promised to pay into that account. These people eat and have some other needs, that is why we give them money. The families of the dead will not be forgotten. The committee is charged to be accountable in the discharge of its duties.
Reacting to Ozubulu youths’ protest that the St Philip’s Catholic Church, Ozubulu where worshippers were massacred was reopened for service while investigation was still ongoing, the Bishop queried whether the protesters were Christians at all.
” If those protesters are Christians, they should not complain because we should continue to worship God in every situation, whether it is good or bad, ” the Bishop submitted.