Ozobulu massacre- Aloysius Ikegwuonu gives police names of attackers

Target of Ozubulu killing returns to Nigeria; gives police names of attackers

Aloysius Ikegwuonu who is the supposed target of the tragic killings in a

catholic church in Ozubulu area of Anambra state has returned to Nigeria. 

The alleged drug dealer who reportedly was in a war with his counterpart, returned from South Africa on Saturday, August 12, and paid a visit to the victims of the attack. 

Reports have it that 13 persons were killed and 22 more injured when armed men stormed the church and opened fire on the members with their target being Ikegwuonu. 

Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State had said intelligence reports, linked the attack to drug kingpins and was a spill over from a war between Mr. Ikegwuonu and one Chinedu Akpunonu (a.k.a Obrosho), both of whom live outside Nigeria. 

According to police report, Ikegwuonu provided valuable information and gave the names of the assailants whom he claimed had asked him for a ransom in exchange for peace.  

According to an eye witness, the armed men were in search of their target in the church and when they did not find him, they opened fire on innocent members including Cyprian Ikegwuonu, his father who also died in the attack.

In spite of the allegation of being a drug dealer, Ikegwuonu is perceived as a philanthropist. He founded the non-governmental Ebubechukwu Uzo Foundation, Ozubulu, which assists members of his community as well as neighboring communities, and has tarred some roads in the area. 

Meanwhile, gunmen on Sunday August 13, allegedly struck near the Assemblies of God Church on the Oguta road Onitsha, Anambra state killing one policeman and a civilian. Our correspondent reports that the incident happened seven days after gunmen attacked St Philip's Catholic Church, Ozubulu and killed no fewer than 13 persons and injured 27.