Suleja Emir Booed, Shamed As Parishioners Chase Him Out Of Burial of Christmas Day Blast

SAN FRANCISCO, February 01, (THEWILL) – The Emir of Suleja, Mallam Awwal Ibrahim was booed and shamed at a requiem mass for the parishioners of St. Theresa Catholic Church, Madalla, near Abuja, that lost their lives following the deadly Christmas Day bomb blast masterminded by the terrorist group Boko Haram.
 
The Metropolitan Arch Bishop of Abuja, John Onaikan led other Arch Bishops, Bishops and ministers at the church service held at St. Theresa Catholic Church.
 
The Emir, an alleged Islamic fundamentalist, had before now refused to show concern or sympathy for the victims of the blast, irking the Christian community and the Niger State Government, which issued him a query for his nonchalance and lack of empathy.
 
At the 10.am requiem mass, the Emir was driven into the church premises but did not alight from his car. He remained inside the vehicle although the church service.
 
When dignitaries were called to address the congregation after the church service and the Emir or his representative was called, angry parishioners filled the air with a mix of shouts and boos, forcing the coordinating minister, Reverend Father Joseph Akor to rescind the invitation.
 
Sensing the resentment, the Emir drove out of the premises after he was counseled by Reverend Father Christopher Barde a few minutes after midday.
 
In all, 18 slain parishioners were laid to rest in single graves dug beside the church.