THE lingering crisis between the Catholic faithful and a section of Awka community over the observance of Christian burial rights in the area took another dimension, Wednesday night, when the two clashed openly in the heart of the Anambra State capital, leaving about 30 persons wounded.
.
Among those injured were Mrs. Juliana Okeke, Mr. Ogah Moses, Mr. Christian Anichebe, Mr. Obuekwe Obukwelu, Mr. Onwa Patrick, who are receiving treatment at Regina Caeli Hospital in Awka.
.
Speaking from their hospital beds, they said it was only God that rescued them from the hands of the youths while returning from a burial.
.
The latest incident was triggered off during the burial ceremony of an 85-year old man, Mr. Samuel Nwana Nebolisa at Umudioka, Awka.
.
The bone of contention between the church and some people in Umudioka community was the dust- to-dust ceremony usually performed during the burial of Catholics.