Nigeria sitting on an edge, says Chekwas Okorie

• Seeks immediate action, cautions against reprisals

Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Chekwas Okorie, says Nigeria is sitting on an edge. The presidential candidate of the United Progressive Party (UPP) for the 2015 general elections was reacting to yesterday’s killing of 47 worshippers at St Philips Catholic Church, Ozubulu, Anambra State.

Okorie, who suspected terrorist activities going by its execution, however cautioned the people of the South East against reprisals. He described the response of security agencies as lethargic, urging them to fish out the perpetrators to avoid provocative reactions.

He said: “This country is sitting on an edge. I do not know why our security agents are so lethargic in responding to distress calls.” According to him, the attack was unprecedented in the region.

He went on: “To have this type of massive attack in a place of worship is unprecedented. And the attack did not last for just a minute, it lasted for some time to be able to record such casualties. Reports have it that the people came in a sport utility vehicle (SUV).

“How they could carry out such attack and escape beats my imagination. My heart goes out to the worshipers and their relations who are now in a mournful mood.

“But what is very disturbing is the response of our security agencies. The people took some time to unleash this mayhem and escape. All we are hearing from them is that they are after them.

“The sooner they apprehend them, the better. For this can be interpreted in many ways and could trigger serious unrest.”  He further noted: “But so far, rumour has taken over as to who did this and for what motive.

“If they had targeted a single individual, they could invade a church, single out their target, but for people to open fire at innocent worshippers, there is no doubt that it has a lot to do with terrorism. But where it is coming from is what the security agencies would help unravel.”

The UPP founder added: “What I ask of everybody now is calm so that people do not take laws into their hands”.