It was a moment of tears on Tuesday when thousands of Catholic faithfuls and the residents of Enugu State including the Governor of the State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, his Deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezilo, gathered to pay their last respect to the Catholic cleric, Rev Father Paul Offu at the Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu.
The remains of the priest who was murdered some weeks ago by suspected herdsmen (some of whom are already in the police net) was brought into the church premises at about 9:00am for Mass and was buried immediately after the church service.
Speaking at the burial mass, the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev Bishop Calistus Onaga stated that, “the death of Fr Offu has sent a message not just to us in Enugu state but to the whole of Nigeria and the world”.
The Bishop, who urged the faithfuls to live a holy life and believe in God the creator, prayed for a peaceful repose of the soul of Fr. Offu while appealing that God may receive his soul also encouraged all the faithfuls in the country to realize that the security of lives and property is not the responsibility of the state or those in power alone, but, of everyone.
While commending the governor and security agencies in the state for their effort which led to the arrest of the killer herdsmen also charged the Priests to be steadfast. Onaga pointed out that God answered the prayers of Christians who never relented in prayer as he said; “Those who killed Fr Paul Offu have been caught. Not only that, those who killed Fr Clement have been caught; God is answering our prayer. Your excellency, thank you so much, we are praying for you too and we shall continue to work together.
“My dear brothers and sisters, Fr Paul has sent a message not just to us, not just Enugu Catholic diocese and Enugu state but the whole Nigeria and to the whole world.
“Let us realize that the responsibility of security in this state and in Nigeria is not just the responsibility of those in the ruling class, we should all be involved. Don’t stay aloof and stop pointing accusing fingers at others”, he said.
Speaking earlier, the Parish Priest of Holy Innocent Parish, Amagunze, Nkanu East, Very Rev. Fr. Sylvester Nwodo lamented the continued attack on priests. He said that the diocese have convened again within a short period of time to bid farewell to another priest.
“Fr Paul since his ordination in August 1999, has worked vigorously in many diocese and also held capacity positions in the diocese and denary where he worked. Our diocese is in great mourning. Today, we have convened again in short time to bid farewell to another great Apostle of our diocese who has died in the hands of Fulani herdsmen”, he said.
In attendance are Bishop of Awgu diocese, Bishop Ifeanyichukwu John Okoye, Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Godfrey Onah and other Bishops, Hon Dennis Amadi, Chairmen of the 17 local government Area of the state as well as other political office holders.
EverydayNews
