Communal clash: Unknown persons burn down Enugu Catholic church

The protracted communal clash between Umuode and Oruku, in Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu State took a deadlier dimension on Saturday as unknown arsonists stormed the parish house of St. Rita’s Catholic Church, Umuode and set the entire building ablaze.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, who paid an unscheduled visit to the warring communities on Sunday vowed to wield necessary government machinery to restore peace in the area.

The parish priest, Rev. Fr. Chris Ikegwuonu was said to have escaped death as he was away on missionary activities when the hoodlums struck.


Governor Ugwuanyi later addressed community members, including the former minister of power, Prof. Bath. Nnaji.

He declared that the Enugu State Government would thoroughly investigate the present incident and do the needful to restore peace which had eluded the area for years now.

The governor, accompanied by top government functionaries, also visited the rival community– Oruku, where he also addressed the members of the community and equally assured them that his administration would work hard to restore peace.

Speaking to newsmen at the parish house, the parish priest, Fr. Ikegwuonu lamented the attack and said that he lost everything in the house, stressing that not even a pin was salvaged.

At both communities, mild drama played out as the women of Umuode and their Oruku counterpart wailed uncontrollably urging the governor to rescue them.