Cisa News REPORT:
JOS, March 13, 2012 (CISA) –Nigerian Archbishop Ignatus Kaigama of the Archdiocese of Jos, has condemned the suicide bombing that killed about 11 people and seriously injured 22 others on Sunday, March 11 at St Finbar’s Catholic Church in Rayfield-Jos, Plateau State.
JOS, March 13, 2012 (CISA) –Nigerian Archbishop Ignatus Kaigama of the Archdiocese of Jos, has condemned the suicide bombing that killed about 11 people and seriously injured 22 others on Sunday, March 11 at St Finbar’s Catholic Church in Rayfield-Jos, Plateau State.
Bishop Kaigama, current President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) described the bombing as “evil, irrational, beastly and criminal.’’
Bishop Kaigama accompanied by Fr Peter Umoren, the parish priest of the bombed church said this while speaking with journalists late Sunday, hours after the blast, a statement sent to CISA said.
“It is an unfortunate incident and the handiwork of detractors,” he said in the statement after visiting the scene on Sunday.
This was the second attack in Jos two weeks after the February 26 attack when a suicide bomber drove an explosive laden-car into the Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN) and killed four people.
Bishop Kaigama called on Christians to remain calm and appealed to the youth to stop the reprisal attacks and secret killing adding that violence is not the best option.
“We want those that are behind this crisis to come and seek dialogue rather than attacks,” said the bishop.
Fr Umoren told journalists that the attack took place when the 10.30am mass had started.
“… I was right on the pulpit when we heard the heavy explosion…” said Fr Umoren. “The church building almost collapsed on the congregation but God saved us, that the roof did not come down but the ceilings were shattered,’’ he said.
According to him the impact of the explosion damaged 10 vehicles parked within the church premises. The attack also left the parish priest residence badly damaged.
President Goodluck Jonathan condemned the bombing in a statement signed and released to journalists by his spokesman Reuben Abati.
He reassured all Nigerians and friends of the country that the Federal Government is doing everything possible to end the spate of mindless attacks and killings in the country. SOURCE
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