Sacrilege: Vandals set church altar on fire

Before the June 8 incident, our correspondent was told that the vandals had broken into the church on May 29, 2011 and destroyed the altar and the church hall and other property worth over N1 million. The incident of June 8, 2011 was the third attack on the church. In all the attacks, perpetrators escaped […]

Before the June 8 incident, our correspondent was told that the vandals had broken into the church on May 29, 2011 and destroyed the altar and the church hall and other property worth over N1 million.

The incident of June 8, 2011 was the third attack on the church. In all the attacks, perpetrators escaped as efforts to track them were always unsuccessful.

The ugly situation made the church authorities to shift church services, like daily prayers and Sunday Mass, to the church hall.

The May 29 incident, which occurred at about 9:00am was a shocker to members of congregation as the invaders struck, targeting Marian Grotto and the Sacred Heart Statue placed at the altar.

When Sunday Trust contacted the Parish’s Priest, Rev. Father Eugene Dike, he said, in the first incident, the vandals broke into the church hall and destroyed valuable items, like musical equipment, make-shift altar, electrical instruments and furniture.

Fr. Dike explained that the last attack took place at the dawn of Wednesday June 8, 2011.

Asked if there were any internal problems among members in the church, he said there had been peace and harmony in the parish.

The Parish Priest wondered why the perpetrators were only interested in destroying things meant for Mass celebration? “Why are they only destroying and not taking away things? How do they gain entrance into the compound in spite of the tight security put in place after the first incident?” he asked rhetorically.

Fr. Dike explained that owing to the ugly incident, a 21-day Novena prayer had commenced in the parish for God’s intervention.

He called on the Police to intensify efforts in investigation to enable them arrest the culprits.

The Bishop of Orlu Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Augustine Ukuoma, when contacted said the matter had been referred to the dean of the zone for proper investigation and solution.

He said the matter has been reported to the Nigerian Police Division in Mgbidi by the Parish Pastoral Council.

When contacted, the Imo State Police Command Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Linus Nwaiwu, denied knowledge of the incident, but promised to investigate.