President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the killing of Rev. Fr. Paul Offu, the Parish Priest of St. James Greater Catholic Church, Ugbawka, Enugu State.

In his condolences to the Catholic Church, he expressed deep shock and dismay over the killing of another priest, ordering a thorough manhunt for the killers and their immediate prosecution.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Buhari commiserated with the government and people of Enugu State, family of Rev Fr. Offu and members of the parish and all Christians.

Describing the killing of the priest as “barbaric and unwarranted,” President Buhari assured the Catholic Church and all Nigerians that the fight against “lawlessness and recklessness’’ would be intensified as security of lives and property continues to top his priorities.

“The entire nation is shaken by the horrible assassination of this priest. The administration will continue to guarantee the freedom of religion and protect places of worship as well as the lives of citizens wherever they live,” he added.

Directing law enforcement agencies to act swiftly in their investigations and bring the perpetrators of the “horrific crime’’ to book, the president called on all religious leaders to pray for peace, healing and security of the country. (The Sun)