- The World Council of Churches has condemned recent killings of church worshipers in Rivers state
- Worshipers returning from cross-over service on January 1 were ambushed and killed in the state
- 16 people were reportedly killed by the gunmen
Rev Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC) has condemned an attack on returning church worshipers in Nigeria.
The attack occurred on New Year’s Day at Omuku town, Rivers state.
16 people were reportedly killed by gunmen who opened fire after a New Year's Day church service.
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The people had attended a midnight service before they were ambushed in the early hours of Monday.
“People who were worshiping, starting anew, celebrating and reflecting on a new year, have lost their lives,” said Tveit. “We condemn this senseless violence. Let us strengthen our resolution to pursue peace and justice for all, dignity for all, the freedom to worship safely for all.”
Tveit and the WCC fellowship held those who lost loved ones in prayer.
“We mourn for the families of the victims, and for the church family that lost so much so quickly,” he said. “God, we seek your mercy.”
Meanwhile, NAIJ.com had reported that the governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike, placed a N200 million bounty on the perpetrators of Monday, January 1, killing in Omuko, Rivers state.
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The governor urged anyone with useful information that will lead to the arrest of the killers to help the state government.
Speaking during a visit to the families of the deceased, Wike, who led the Rivers state security council on a fact finding mission in Omuko condemned the act in the area by some hoodlums. Sympathising with families of the deceased and victims of the attack, the governor said anyone or group of people connected to the crime would have their house forfeited to the state government.
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Source: Naija.ng