Bishop, the man at the centre of the Ozubulu Church massacre that led to the demise of 13 people and injury to 40 others has quietly returned to Nigeria to sympathize with the victims.
Mr. Aloysius Ikegwuonu, aka Bishop
The Police have said they have no reason to arrest Mr. Aloysius Ikegwuonu, aka Bishop, who is alleged to be the target of the August 6, 2017 attacks on St. Philip’s Catholic Church, Ozubulu, Anambra State.
Reports say Bishop has returned to his community after the incident. A Punch correspondent learnt that he returned on Saturday and attended church service at St. Philip’s on Sunday.
When contacted on the telephone for confirmation, the Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra State, Nkeiruka Nwode, said the Police were not aware of his (Bishop’s) return.
Nwode said, “Do you want us to arrest him?
“You know, he is a victim. We’re not interested in his return. We’ve invited him for Friday and he must come because failure to honour our invitation is an offence.”
On Monday, Bishop visited the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, where he expressed sympathy for the victims of the attack.
Ikegwuonu, who was accompanied by some of his friends, went round the wards of the hospital sympathising with the victims and also asking questions from them how the incident happened.
A source said, “The victims who have been traumatised since the incidence were visibly happy over his visit.
“One of the victims, a lady, on sighting him, sat up in happiness, greeting him for coming to check on them.”
Ikegwuonu, who is said to be South African-based businessman, has been described by members of the community as “a source of happiness” to them.
He is said to have built three Catholic churches in the community and that through his foundation, he has awarded scholarships to indigent students of the community.
He is also reported to have tarred a major road in the community. Strong rumours have linked Bishop to hard drug business in South Africa but the claims are currently unfounded.