The Knights of St. Christopher, Diocese of the Niger of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) have urged the Anambra State Government to fish out those behind the demolition of the Ebenezer Anglican Church under construction at Oyolu-Oze, Nkwellle-Ezunaka, near Onitsha.
Dr. Ike Okonkwo, the President of the Council of Knights, made the call at Nteje in Oyi Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday, while addressing his colleagues and members of the church.
Describing the incidence as barbaric and an act of hooliganism, Okonkwo said it was unimaginable that such a thing could happen in a prime Christian state like Anambra.
He said it was surprising that the both the government and security agencies had yet to fish out the perpetrators of the “dastardly” act against the House of God.
Also speaking, the Chancellor of the Diocese, Chief Nnamdi Ibegbu (SAN), explained that the property in question was given to the church by the people of Oze village, who are predominantly Anglicans.
According to Ibegbu, it was gazetted by the state government and the process of obtaining the Certificate of Occupancy was in motion.
He said: “I don’t know why this barbaric action.
“This is a form of Boko Haram.
“In fact, this is Boko Haram.
“I don’t know what the agenda is for except to negate the peace and good governance we stand for.
“We demand justice and reparation for the church.
“Government should not dispossess the church of the land by relocating the church as we are hearing.
“This land remains ours.
“Nobody should relocate us as is being speculated.
“We will take any step within the confines of the law to retain here, which has been given to us.”
Earlier, the Assistant Chaplain of the knights council, Rev. Eric Anozie, who led them in a prayer session, said it was unfortunate that this type of illegality took place and no arrest had been made.
The state government has already constituted a four-man panel of inquiry headed by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Nkem Okeke, to find out the perpetrators as well as the remote and immediate causes of the action and submit its report within two weeks.