By Godwin Utuedoye,
Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, on Friday, commiserated with the Bishop and the entire faithful of the Catholic Diocese of Warri over the sudden demise of Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Louis Odudu.
In a related development, Governor Okowa has also condoled with His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Michael Elue, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku, the priests and faithful over the death of Rev. Fr. Anthony Dibia.
Okowa in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu said the death of Rev. Fr. Dr. Louis Odudu was regrettable and unfortunate especially as he was reported to have escaped from his abductors prior to his death.
The Governor condemned in strong terms the renewed onslaught against Catholic priests and clergymen, assuring that Government will work closely with security agencies to arrest the ugly trend
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I condole with his Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. John Afareha, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Warri, the priests and faithful over the death of Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Louis Odudu.
“As a government we will continue to ensure the security of lives and properties. We will continue to partner with security agencies to ensure that Delta State remains unsafe for kidnappers and other criminals in carrying out their evil enterprise.
“Right now, we must all come together as a people of faith and most importantly, Nigerians to condemn this renewed attacks on clergymen. This tragedy affects us all and we join the Catholic community to mourn the deceased,” he said.
Until his death, Rev. Fr. Dr. Louis Odudu was the Chaplain of the Seat of Wisdom Catholic Chaplaincy of the Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun, Delta State.
The Governor also expressed sadness over the death of Rev. Father Dibia, describing the late priest as one of the most vibrant and charismatic priests in the Diocese of Iselle-Uku who was committed to the growth and development of the church wherever he served.
“The death of Rev. Fr. Dibia come at a time when his services were most needed especially as he was a committed Church builder and had footprints of his developments in all the parishes he served.
“Although Rev. Fr . Anthony Dibia was reported to have died of health challenges, he will be greatly missed by Catholic Priests, Catholic faithful, members of the Charismatic Renewal of Nigeria, friends and family members,” the Governor said.
Until his death, he was the Parish Priest of St. Monica’s Catholic Church, Ibusa, Delta State and the Assistant Chaplain of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Nigeria (CCRN).