President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed shock and dismay over the killing of Rev. Fr. Paul Offu, the Priest of St. James Greater Parish Catholic Church, Ugbawka, Enugu State, saying that the entire nation is shaken by it.
Expressing his condolences to the Catholic Church in a statement by presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Saturday, the president ordered a thorough manhunt for the killers and their immediate prosecution.
The President commiserated with government and people of Enugu State, the family of the slain priest and members of the parish and all Christians.
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Describing the killing of the priest as “barbaric and unwarranted’’, President Buhari assured the Catholic Church and all Nigerians that the fight against “lawlessness and recklessness’’ will be intensified as security of lives and property continues to top his priorities.
“The entire nation is shaken by the horrible assassination of this priest. The administration will continue to guarantee the freedom of religion and protect places of worship as well as the lives of citizens wherever they live,” he added.
Directing law enforcement agencies to act swiftly in their investigations and bring the perpetrators of the “horrific crime’’ to book, the President called on all religious leaders to pray for peace, healing and security of the country.