On 29th & 30th December 2017, the Catholic community of Igbo Ukwu in ANAMBRA State organized their annual end of the year crusade. Rev Fr Emma Obimma ( Ebubemuonso) was to speak on 29th December while Timothy Ofoegbu was slated to minister on 30th December. But there was a problem during the programme on 29th December. Fr Emma around 2.00AM as the youths to bring to anything that is against their progress and prosperity from their families.
The youths went on rampage and destroyed all the shrines in the town and some families. Some elders were said to be injured when they resisted the rampaging youths. I called the organizers of the crusade on the morning of 30th December to cancel my own slot due the chaos in the village and threats by the traditionalists to burn down all catholic churches in the town. I considered it height of pomposity and insensitivity to go ahead and preach that night.
Read Also :Â Mixed feelings trail the death of a Catholic priest in Igbo-Ukwu, Anambra state.Â
It was said that traditionalists despite reconciliation meetings initiated by the Igboukwu development Union and Nigeria Police force went ahead to place curse of death on the priest responsible for the desecration and destruction of the gods.
Last few days ago, bloggers and social media especially Facebook is filled with fake, false and fabricated news that three Catholic priests had died since January 2018 in Igboukwu.
I am setting the record straight that it is not true. The traditionalists shamelessly cashed in on the death of Reverend Father Christopher Azolibe on 11th June 2018 and used it for propaganda on the so called efficacy of their gods. Rev Fr Azolibe that died had been suffering from acute diabetics and was not priest that coordinated the crusade.
Yes, he is the parish priest of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church IgboUkwu but he battled diabetics for many painful years before the Lord called him home. HOW COME NOBODY HAS MENTIONED THE NAMES OF THE OTHER PRIESTS THAT DIED? None can do it because it was a fake news.
I found it most interesting to make this update as to correct the circulating impression and urge the masses to disregard the rumors and embrace the truth.
Culled from : Igboist on facebook.personal tale from Timothy Ofoegbu.
About Author
