President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday described the attack on Ozubulu Church in Anambra state as ”an appalling crime against humanity and unspeakable sacrilege.”

It was reported that some gunmen stormed the church during Sunday service, killing what the police have confirmed to be 12 people and injuring 18 others.

In a statement issued in Abuja by the president’s media aide, Garba Shehu, the president condemned the attack, saying that ”there was no justification whatsoever to target Church worshippers and kill them in cold blood.”

He said this kind of atrocity ”plumbs the depth of depravity and extreme cruelty of the kind that words cannot adequately express.”

According to the president, there is no religion that does not lay constant emphasis on the sanctity of life, and that ”all Nigerians must rise up and speak with one voice against these remorseless evil men.”

The president expressed his deepest sympathy with the families of the victims, the church leadership and the government of Anambra state.

He reassured all Nigerians of his administration’s firm and uncompromising commitment to protect their lives and properties at all times.