…As Canada condemns attack
From PAULINUS AIDOGHIE, Abuja and EMMANUEL ADEYEMI, Lokoja
The Kogi State Police Command yesterday said it has arrested three suspects in connection with the attack on a branch of the Deeper Life Bible Church in Okene, Kogi State by gunmen on Monday night. The suspects were paraded before journalists at the state police command.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Muhammed Katsina who gave an update of the cold blooded murder of innocent worshipers, disclosed that those arrested included a militant, who sustained gun injuries and was been treated at a private clinic in Ibilo, Edo State, another militant who was providing succour to the injured and a middle aged woman. The woman was alleged to have aided the escape of the injured militant and took him to Ibilo for treatment under the cover of darkness.
According to the police boss, minutes after the attack, his command got a tip-off, which led to the invasion of the operational base of the militants responsible for the attack. He stated that on arrival at the place, a gun battle ensured between his men and the militants, who later escaped. Kastina added that some of the injured militants were later trailed to Ibilo in Edo State where they fled to for treatment. He explained that it was at that point those paraded were arrested.
The commissioner of police who vowed to arrest those still on the run confirmed that preliminary investigations had implicated some top politicians in Ebiraland over the killing and that they were currently assisting the police to get to the root of the incident While advising those harbouring the militants or concealing information about their whereabouts, or treating them secretly or in possession of their firearms to report to the police immediately in their own interest.
Kastina warned that the law would not spare anybody implicated in the matter no matter how highly placed in the society. Meanwhile, the Canadian government had condemned the attack, describing it as cowardly. In a press statement made available to Daily Sun yesterday in Abuja, the Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister, John Baird, said he was deeply saddened by the cowardly murder by gunmen of parishioners who were gathered in worship at a church.
“Canada urges all people in Nigeria to work with the Nigerian government to counter terrorism and bring to justice, those responsible for this reprehensible crime. “No one should have to practise his or her faith in fear. Canada will continue to stand up for religious freedom,” Baird said. While extending his deepest sympathies to the families and friends of those killed in the attacks on behalf of all Canadians, the Canadian foreign affairs minister wished all those injured in the attack speedy recovery.
SOURCE: 9 August 2012.
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