By Abuchi Onwumelu
The Catholic bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has commiserated with the Catholic bishop of Nnewi Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev. Hilary Odili Okeke, and the entire priests, religious, laity of Nnewi Diocese, over the death of Rev. Fr. Edmund Nwagbara who died in the recent fire outbreak that engulfed the Parish House of St. Peter Claver's Catholic Church, Nnewichi - Nnewi, in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Bishop Ezeokafor who reacted immediately after the news of Fr. Nwagabara's death filtered in at St. Patrick's Catholic Cathedral, Awka, expressed worry over the incessant fire outbreaks in the state, wondering what could have ignited the fire that led to the death of Fr. Nwagbara.
The visible disturbed bishop said he was yet to believe that some of these fire incidents were truly mechanical and not targeted at some persons and areas, stating that it was about time the government should looked inward to ascertain the true cause of the continued fire outbreaks, adding that there was more to it than met the eye.
'We just have to be careful and caution. Government should take this issue seriously. Losing a priest just like that, is, to me, saddening. I am deeply worried, touched and unsettled. It could be anyone.
'Something has to be done to put a stop to these anomalies. I just hope that some unscrupulous elements have not taken this as another way of wasting human lives and destroying properties, he said, while condoling with the Nnewi Catholic community.
Describing the incident as a big blow, Bishop Ezeokafor said, 'It is really not a good time for our brothers and sisters out there. We will continue to pray for the quick repose of Fr. Nwagbara's soul. It is sad he has to go that way. May his soul rest in peace. Amen.'
Tags
News