Governor of Akwa Ibom Akpabio Donates N50m To Xmas Day Bombing Victims to help rebuild the church in Madalla

The governor of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Godswill Akpabio, has donated N50 million to the victims of Christmas Day bombing at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger State.

About 43 persons were confirmed dead and more than 100 others injured in the attack which the dreaded Islamic sect, Boko Haram claimed responsibility for. Victims of the bomb blast were recently buried in a mass grave.

Akpabio announced the donation during the Episcopal ordination ceremony of Rt. Rev. Mons. Anselm Umoren as the Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja.

The governor also pledged that the state government would work with the authorities to rebuild the church in Madalla. He said the donation was to assist the victims of the bombing and relatives in rehabilitation and resettlement.

Akpabio admonished the church not to lose hope in the face of the security challenges facing the country occasioned by the attacks by Boko Haram, while observing that the situation would have been worse if the Church was not praying for the country.

The governor expressed appreciation to the Catholic Church for the elevation of Umoren to the office of a bishop and urged the new bishop to see his elevation as a call to greater service.

Responding, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Archbishop John Onayeikan, expressed appreciation for the donation and noted that it would assist the Church in catering for the needs of the families whose bread winners were killed and those still in hospital.

The archbishop said he was impressed by the performance of Akpabio and urged other politicians to see politics just as priesthood as a call to serve the people.

Umoren who was consecrated as the Auxiliary Bishop of Abuja was presented with a ring, and a pastoral staff. Akpabio also donated a brand new Toyota Land Cruiser to the new Bishop.