St. Philips Catholic Church, Ozubulu has resumed normal service, a week after gunmen shot at worshippers during early morning mass.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, whose correspondent attended the service, reports that officials of the state government led by the Secretary to the State Government, Solo Chukwulobelu were present and also the turnout was low at the beginning of service, but it later picked up.
Aloysius Ikegwuonu, popularly referred to as Bishop, who was reported to be the target of the attack was also reported to be in attendance.
Asked to speak to the press, Bishop declined, although one of his aides said he would speak “at the appropriate time.”
The parish priest Rev. Fr. Jude Onwuaso speaking during the mass asked parishioners not to be discouraged from worshiping by the attack.
“God is on the throne,” he said, adding that the worshipers are on the slain parishioners are on the right side of God.
One of the worshipers who spoke to the press said he had to force himself to attend the service that morning.
He said his attendance is a result of his deep religious understanding that a Christian believer must experience persecution to make to heaven.
The police had last week said suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack.