THE HYPOCRISY OF THE MILITARY IN UMUNZE, ANAMBRA STATE AND THE MISCHIEVOUS SILENCE OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE STATE

Attack on the Faithful: A Dark Day for Christianity in Umunze

Incident Report

Date: Sunday, August 18, 2024

Location: Umunze, specifically St. Joseph Catholic Church, Holy Rosary Parish, and Nicky Plaza

Summary:
On Sunday, August 18, 2024, the Nigerian military launched a brutal crackdown on innocent worshippers in Umunze, causing widespread fear, harassment, and disruption of religious services. The incident occurred in retaliation for the killing of two soldiers by unknown gunmen in the area.

Incident Details:
- At approximately 5:50 a.m., military personnel stormed St. Joseph Catholic Church, scattering worshippers, harassing them, and locking up the church building before the priest arrived for the 6 a.m. Mass.
- The military blocked the church gate with an Armored Personnel Carrier (APC), preventing worshippers from accessing the premises.
- The military then moved to Holy Rosary Parish, where they disrupted the Mass, dismissed the congregation, and locked up the church gate.
- The soldiers announced that their colleagues had been killed and accused the indigenes of Umunze of inaction.
- The military continued their rampage at Nicky Plaza, breaking the windshields of parked vehicles and harassing, beating, and arresting innocent citizens and worshippers.

The Human Cost:
- Worshippers were scattered, harassed, and intimidated, their rights to freedom of worship callously trampled upon.
- The sacred sanctuaries, once havens of peace and tranquility, were transformed into scenes of utter despair.
- The victims, innocent men, women, and children, were left to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives.
- Their trust in the institutions of state and church has been severely eroded.
- The very fabric of their faith has been torn asunder.

Implications:
- The military's actions constitute a gross violation of human rights, particularly the right to freedom of worship.
- The harassment and intimidation of worshippers have created a climate of fear, making it difficult for people to exercise their religious beliefs.
- The disruption of religious services has caused emotional distress and trauma to the affected worshippers.
- The actions of the military may exacerbate existing tensions and create further instability in the region.

Recommendations:
- The military should be held accountable for their actions and respect the rights of civilians, particularly in places of worship.