Bizzare! Naked bath in ‘Pool of Bethesda

The news fly all around and the hitherto serene community becomes busy playing host to people from far and near seeking miracle healing to their ailments in a stream that sprang up suddenly. The physically challenged, the aged, young, men and women including people with different kinds of sicknesses throng the pool in droves, dip themselves naked in the 3-4feet deep stagnated water, wash the ailing parts of their bodies believing they are healed. Although the testimonies were not forth coming, the lame, blind still assisted with mixed feelings, believed that they will be healed. The mysterious pool, called Orimiri located in a forest about 3km from the Nachi bus-stop along Onitsha/Enugu old road, allegedly heals all kinds of ailments after it was discovered by a Fulani herdsman recently. Since the discovery, the community has become a pilgrimage center with no fewer than 3000 people thronging the place daily. From morning till 6pm daily, okada ply through that narrow and sandy path carrying passengers and their loads of jerry cans to the stream. When Saturday Vanguard visited the stream, scores of people especially women were seen naked dipping their bodies in the already contaminated stream in the quest for healing. As those with tumor, sores and injuries wash their bodies without any reservation, the physically challenged were being assisted by their relatives for thorough bath. Others were busy scooping up water from different holes dug around the bank into their plastic containers of various sizes. The people’s craze for healing was also seen as they collect sands from the stream into cellophane bags to their homes believing even the sands under the water was as effective as the stream itself. The trees in the surroundings were also not spared as people chop trees into various sizes with a claim that it cures all kinds of sicknesses. But none of these miracle seekers at the stream as at the time of visit could give a clear testimony of the healing he or she had received. Most of them who spoke with us opined that they believe it will work. A middle aged woman, who refused to give her real names who never suspected she was talking to the press, said: “I just came here for to exercise my faith. I have not seen any one though, but I believe it. I just had a bath in the water and I believe it. I believe God that I will be okay.” But Donatus Ike, who claims he has been coming to the stream on a daily basis since the news of the healing power broke said: “I always come here every day to work; I guide people in doing certain things here. The water has healing power. A lot of people came from far and near. Not too long ago, Rev. Mbaka came here, he prayed for people. The lame will work, the blind will see. You can see a crutch over there; it was dropped by somebody who couldn’t work.” Amobi Chukwu in his own view said: “I think it is all about faith. What you call medicine is medicine for you. I also believe the water has healing power. The water is dirty and it was because a lot of people come here and bath inside the water and you know this is not a flowing river. That is why people dig the river bank to get better water to drink. It is drinkable.” But the controversies surrounding the healing power of the stream, began to unfold as Rev. Father Chikezie Cypril a.k.a Okanga Jesus, the Parish Priest, St. Michael Catholic Church, Oji, Enugu described those who seek healing from the stream are spiritual puppets. Cypril who is also the Chaplain of the Physically Challenged in the area said, said he has not heard from any of the physically challenged in his domain that one person had been healed from the water. “I don’t believe it. I am the chaplain of the physically challenged and none of them has come to me to give that testimony of healing; and this is happening in their area. I mean not even one person has come to confirm it. I know that most of them have gone there and nothing is happening. So, you see, people tend to confuse you with certain things. As I am speaking to you, no member of this community has shared a testimony about the water.” In the same vein, Chief Ignatius Ene Chikeluba who claimed he was born in the farmland gave an insight into the beginning of the whole parody. He stated that it was the Fulani herdsmen who concocted and spread the story of healing power without any clear evidence. “Throughout the period I stayed in the farmland, we have never heard about the healing power being ascribed to the water. It is a concoction of the Fulani herdsmen. I know that revelation from God can come through any body but my advice to them is that whatever they are saying should be the whole truth and nothing but the truth,” Chikeluba stated. See more photos here The traditional ruler of Nachi community, His Royal Highness, Igwe F. O. Onuigbo, Obi II of Nachi, in his own submission said the water has been there for a very long time, adding that the healing power ascribed to it was only a recent phenomenon which he did not confirm. “River Nachi is natural water which has been there for a very long time which people use for their cooking, drinking and washing. The healing power is something new and I have not visited the place. But the water has been there before. People said it is healing; I can’t stop anybody from going there to seek cure and healing. I have no right to do that.” On the pattern surge, Igwe Onuigbo said he didn’t know about the coming and occasional surge of the water. “I do no know of that” He confirmed that the land where the water is situated has been in dispute between Ameke and Umuaga for a very long time, adding that efforts are on-going to resolve the issue between the two communities amicably. History of the water Chief Ignatius Chikeluba, a Chief in Umuaga-Nachi, who claimed the farm land belongs to his father, gave historical perspective of the stream. “According to my own father, Ogbonnaya Ene Chikeluba, there was a man called Aniene, a native of Umuaga, he was the first man who saw the water. He used to be a farmer in the area. He came out one morning to discover the sudden surge of the water. He ran out to call others that were farming in the area to witness it. At that point, the water was named Miri Aniene. This happened long time before I was born, it was never known as having healing powers. We used it to wash cloths, cassava and other culinary activities. It used to surge after every seven years. After the war, it came in 1972, 1979, 1986, 1994, 2000, 2005 and now 2013. When it comes, it is usually there until the next raining season. It is deterred by the rain or sun shine, it comes at any season of the year. We have never worshipped the water before.” “Before it came this year, there were Fulani herdsmen who live in that farm; they always take their cattle there to drink from the water. So, recently, a group of people came to my house, I recognised one of them who had lived there before, and I asked curiously whether he wanted to return to the farm again and he said no. But he said that the water which used to spring up had sprung up again and that it has healing power – curing all kinds of ailments. I told him that we don’t know about that. He said they discovered the healing power of the water the last time it came and they asked the herdsmen to be monitoring it. So, the Fulani herdsmen who have been monitoring it informed immediately it came out. After a while, another group of herdsmen came and said the same thing. But I pointed it out to them that their cattle had damaged my farm and they should do something about it and they moved away from the area. But surprisingly, after some time, another group of people came this time, with some Igbos. I was the one who cleared the way to the river. I have palm tree in that place, banana plantation, cola-nut trees, orange among others. It is a farm settlement of Umuaga. At this junction, I want to state that the Nachi people have been trying to encroach on the land claiming it belongs to them, but it belongs to the people of Umuaga. The water is from God. And whoever says the water has not been there is trying to pull the wool over our faces. My house is there, and the water has been there. The king who does not know Joseph will not know Joseph was buried. I was born there and my father’s house is still there now. To, me it is the Fulani herdsmen that are responsible for this misinformation. Throughout the period I stayed in the farmland, we have never heard about the story of healing power being ascribed to the water. It is a concoction of the Fulani herdsmen. I know that the revelation of God can come through any body but my advice to them is that whatever they are saying, should be the whole truth and nothing but the truth.” Bizzare! Naked bath in ‘Pool of Bethesda’ on December 14, 2013 / in Just Human 1:54 am / Comments By Ishola Balogun The news fly all around and the hitherto serene community becomes busy playing host to people from far and near seeking miracle healing to their ailments in a stream that sprang up suddenly. The physically challenged, the aged, young, men and women including people with different kinds of sicknesses throng the pool in droves, dip themselves naked in the 3-4feet deep stagnated water, wash the ailing parts of their bodies believing they are healed. Although the testimonies were not forth coming, the lame, blind still assisted with mixed feelings, believed that they will be healed. 'Pool of Bethesda’ ‘Pool of Bethesda’ The mysterious pool, called Orimiri located in a forest about 3km from the Nachi bus-stop along Onitsha/Enugu old road, allegedly heals all kinds of ailments after it was discovered by a Fulani herdsman recently. Since the discovery, the community has become a pilgrimage center with no fewer than 3000 people thronging the place daily. From morning till 6pm daily, okada ply through that narrow and sandy path carrying passengers and their loads of jerry cans to the stream. When Saturday Vanguard visited the stream, scores of people especially women were seen naked dipping their bodies in the already contaminated stream in the quest for healing. As those with tumor, sores and injuries wash their bodies without any reservation, the physically challenged were being assisted by their relatives for thorough bath. Others were busy scooping up water from different holes dug around the bank into their plastic containers of various sizes. The people’s craze for healing was also seen as they collect sands from the stream into cellophane bags to their homes believing even the sands under the water was as effective as the stream itself. The trees in the surroundings were also not spared as people chop trees into various sizes with a claim that it cures all kinds of sicknesses. But none of these miracle seekers at the stream as at the time of visit could give a clear testimony of the healing he or she had received. Most of them who spoke with us opined that they believe it will work. A middle aged woman, who refused to give her real names who never suspected she was talking to the press, said: “I just came here for to exercise my faith. I have not seen any one though, but I believe it. I just had a bath in the water and I believe it. I believe God that I will be okay.” But Donatus Ike, who claims he has been coming to the stream on a daily basis since the news of the healing power broke said: “I always come here every day to work; I guide people in doing certain things here. The water has healing power. A lot of people came from far and near. Not too long ago, Rev. Mbaka came here, he prayed for people. The lame will work, the blind will see. You can see a crutch over there; it was dropped by somebody who couldn’t work.” Amobi Chukwu in his own view said: “I think it is all about faith. What you call medicine is medicine for you. I also believe the water has healing power. The water is dirty and it was because a lot of people come here and bath inside the water and you know this is not a flowing river. That is why people dig the river bank to get better water to drink. It is drinkable.” But the controversies surrounding the healing power of the stream, began to unfold as Rev. Father Chikezie Cypril a.k.a Okanga Jesus, the Parish Priest, St. Michael Catholic Church, Oji, Enugu described those who seek healing from the stream are spiritual puppets. Cypril who is also the Chaplain of the Physically Challenged in the area said, said he has not heard from any of the physically challenged in his domain that one person had been healed from the water. “I don’t believe it. I am the chaplain of the physically challenged and none of them has come to me to give that testimony of healing; and this is happening in their area. I mean not even one person has come to confirm it. I know that most of them have gone there and nothing is happening. So, you see, people tend to confuse you with certain things. As I am speaking to you, no member of this community has shared a testimony about the water.” Seeking healing at the pool Seeking healing at the pool In the same vein, Chief Ignatius Ene Chikeluba who claimed he was born in the farmland gave an insight into the beginning of the whole parody. He stated that it was the Fulani herdsmen who concocted and spread the story of healing power without any clear evidence. “Throughout the period I stayed in the farmland, we have never heard about the healing power being ascribed to the water. It is a concoction of the Fulani herdsmen. I know that revelation from God can come through any body but my advice to them is that whatever they are saying should be the whole truth and nothing but the truth,” Chikeluba stated. See more photos here The traditional ruler of Nachi community, His Royal Highness, Igwe F. O. Onuigbo, Obi II of Nachi, in his own submission said the water has been there for a very long time, adding that the healing power ascribed to it was only a recent phenomenon which he did not confirm. “River Nachi is natural water which has been there for a very long time which people use for their cooking, drinking and washing. The healing power is something new and I have not visited the place. But the water has been there before. People said it is healing; I can’t stop anybody from going there to seek cure and healing. I have no right to do that.” On the pattern surge, Igwe Onuigbo said he didn’t know about the coming and occasional surge of the water. “I do no know of that” He confirmed that the land where the water is situated has been in dispute between Ameke and Umuaga for a very long time, adding that efforts are on-going to resolve the issue between the two communities amicably. History of the water Chief Ignatius Chikeluba, a Chief in Umuaga-Nachi, who claimed the farm land belongs to his father, gave historical perspective of the stream. “According to my own father, Ogbonnaya Ene Chikeluba, there was a man called Aniene, a native of Umuaga, he was the first man who saw the water. He used to be a farmer in the area. He came out one morning to discover the sudden surge of the water. He ran out to call others that were farming in the area to witness it. At that point, the water was named Miri Aniene. This happened long time before I was born, it was never known as having healing powers. We used it to wash cloths, cassava and other culinary activities. It used to surge after every seven years. After the war, it came in 1972, 1979, 1986, 1994, 2000, 2005 and now 2013. When it comes, it is usually there until the next raining season. It is deterred by the rain or sun shine, it comes at any season of the year. We have never worshipped the water before.” “Before it came this year, there were Fulani herdsmen who live in that farm; they always take their cattle there to drink from the water. So, recently, a group of people came to my house, I recognised one of them who had lived there before, and I asked curiously whether he wanted to return to the farm again and he said no. But he said that the water which used to spring up had sprung up again and that it has healing power – curing all kinds of ailments. I told him that we don’t know about that. He said they discovered the healing power of the water the last time it came and they asked the herdsmen to be monitoring it. So, the Fulani herdsmen who have been monitoring it informed immediately it came out. After a while, another group of herdsmen came and said the same thing. But I pointed it out to them that their cattle had damaged my farm and they should do something about it and they moved away from the area. But surprisingly, after some time, another group of people came this time, with some Igbos. I was the one who cleared the way to the river. I have palm tree in that place, banana plantation, cola-nut trees, orange among others. It is a farm settlement of Umuaga. At this junction, I want to state that the Nachi people have been trying to encroach on the land claiming it belongs to them, but it belongs to the people of Umuaga. The water is from God. And whoever says the water has not been there is trying to pull the wool over our faces. My house is there, and the water has been there. The king who does not know Joseph will not know Joseph was buried. I was born there and my father’s house is still there now. To, me it is the Fulani herdsmen that are responsible for this misinformation. Throughout the period I stayed in the farmland, we have never heard about the story of healing power being ascribed to the water. It is a concoction of the Fulani herdsmen. I know that the revelation of God can come through any body but my advice to them is that whatever they are saying, should be the whole truth and nothing but the truth.” I don’t believe it — Rev Fr Chikezie Cypril a.k.a Okanga Jesus Rev Father Chikezie Cypril a.k.a Okanga Jesus is the Parish Priest, St. Michael Catholic Church, Oji, Enugu and also the Chaplain of the Care for the Physically Challenged in the area. He spoke to Saturday Vanguard on the healing power of Pool of Bethesda. The mystery river that is said to be healing is happening in your parish, what can you say about it? I am privileged that this is taking place in my parish, but unfortunately, I have not gone there to see what is happening there, but I have seen a lot of people going there for healing. For the fact that I have not been there does not mean I wouldn’t know whether what is going on there is good or bad. My opinion is that it is better to seek God than seeking the blessing of God. This is because if you seek God, the blessing of God will come your way. If you seek the face of God, you will get the hand of God. Unfortunately people think that God is not alive to their problem. Most people who go there are those who have little or no time for the word of God and they spend a lot of time there waiting for their turn. If only they can spend their time for God, healing will come their way. That is why I will not find the time to go there because there is nothing better than seeking God. But we heard that Rev. Mbaka was there and he prayed at the river? Maybe he went there to know what is happening, but also remember that Mbaka is not God. It does not matter whether the Bishop or the Pope was there or not, what matters is that people should seek God. What about those who don’t have the opportunity to go there, do you mean they will not be healed? I see it as a kind of madness when people go there and take bath while they also take the same water and drink. But one funny thing about it is that, I don’t believe it. I am the chaplain of the physically challenged and none of them has come to me that they are healed and this is happening in their area. I mean not even one person has come to confirm it. I know that most of them have gone there and nothing is happening. So, you see, people tend to confuse you with certain things. As I am speaking to you, no member of this my community has come to me to share a testimony about the water. I know if it is real as people tend to portray it, one or two persons in the community must have been noticed and if we see it, we will be the promoter. You see, one has to be very sensible about it; a lot of people are making money on this situation. For example, if you tell the Okada riders who are making money from the situation that it is not real, they will say you don’t know what you are talking about. But let us trust God, power belongs to God. It is when we commune with God that we see the power of God in our lives. I see those who go there as spiritual puppets.

Obasanjo Is The Corruption Father. - Afenifere Yoruba Group

Political murder highest ever in the history of this nation under the former president Obasanjo's regime. **wh is OBJ bothered about someone going for 2nd term, while he attempted even a 3rd term. The Afenifere, a Yoruba socio/cultural group have reacted to the 18.page letter written by Obasanjo to President Jonathan. The group said that, “if Obasanjo, who happens to be a retired general is now beckoning on fellow retired generals and at the same time inciting Nigerians against a sitting president, something untoward must be going on. The former president has no moral justification to accuse the president because corruption was at its peak under his (Obasanjo’s) regime. He is laid the foundation of corruption in Nigeria Political murder was not as bad or rampant ever in the history of this nation like we all witnessed under the former president regime, while as a matter of fact cases of rigging of elections were unprecedented during Obasanjo’s regime. On the issues of Jonathan body language for second term, I think the former president is also wrong because he did not only spend two terms in the office, he attempted third term of office, which was truncated.”

Okorocha elected Progresive Govs chairman

Sixteen opposition governors under the aegis of Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), have unanimously elected the Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, as their chairman. The 16 state governors who are members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), picked Okorocha to pilot the affairs of the forum at a recent meeting. A statement by the Director General of the PGF, Salihu Lukman, said Okorocha’s election was in furtherance of the commitment of the 16 Progressive Governors to strengthen democratic governance structures in the country with the overriding goal of rescuing Nigeria and facilitating the emergence of accountable leadership at all levels led by APC. “Okorocha will provide leadership to PGF to realise the collective vision of the Progressive Governors to engender expeditiously exemplary human development Programmes and policies in all APC states. The forum urged Nigerians to support the initiatives of the Progressive Governors under the leadership of Okorocha to make Nigeria great again. VANGUARD

Boko Haram threatens to attack US •Claims responsibility for military base attack

Abubakar Shekau, leader of the Nigerian militant group, Boko Haram, has reiterated the resolve of his group to carry out attacks in the United States of America. Shekau said this in a 40-minute video made public through Nigerian journalists on Thursday. The Boko Haram leader, dressed in military camouflage, also claimed that God gave his group “victory” in the attack in the city of Maiduguri, the home base for the shadowy Islamist militant group. On December 2, militants attacked an air force base and army barracks in the north eastern city. A defence ministry spokesman said 24 insurgents died in a shootout with soldiers at the base. There was no word on whether there were military or civilian casualties. A VOA correspondent, who visited the scene after the attack, reported damage at the barracks and a nearby police station. A journalist who saw the video says Shekau is holding what appears to be a Russian-made rifle and becomes extremely agitated during portions of his 19-minute message. He alternates between three languages, Hausa, Arabic and Kanuri. The rest of the video shows what appears to be excerpts of the militant attack on the military facilities in Maiduguri. The authenticity of the video could not be independently verified. Boko Haram’s name roughly translates from the Hausa language as “Western education is a sin.” The militant group is believed to be fighting for an Islamic state in northern Nigeria, and is blamed for thousands of deaths since it began its uprising in 2009. The violence prompted the Nigerian government to declare a state of emergency in three north eastern states this year and send additional soldiers to fight the group. Human rights groups have accused the military of using indiscriminate and heavy-handed violence in its crackdown.

6 cultists gang rape 16-yr-old girl

AKURE— SIX boys suspected to be members of a cult known as Blue Angel, have allegedly gang raped a 16-year-old secondary school student in Akure, Ondo State capital. As 24-year-old school dropout, Yusuf Lawal, was yesterday remanded in Kirikiri Prison custody by a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja, for allegedly being in possession of a gun, which was later discovered to be a toy gun. The boys, who reportedly recorded the act with their mobile phone, while taking their turns on the girl, threatened to upload it on the Internet if she dares to report them to her parents or the Police. However, two of the alleged rapists have been arrested by officials of the state command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, while four others are on the run. The victim (names withheld) said that the six boys blindfolded her and threatened to rip her open with knife if she failed to cooperate. Those arrested include Banjo Olasehinde, 25, A.K.A. Obanje Babalowo Sherry and Adewale Fadunsi, 28, a fashion designer. Those on the run include Tope Oluwole; Tope, A.K.A Jigan and Muyideen, a.k.a. Gbem. Spokesman of NSCDC in the state, Kayode Balogun, said one of the suspects, Banjo Olasehinde, has confessed to the crime and the fact that they belong to a cult group known as Blue Angel. According to Balogun, the suspect said they saw the girl on her way from school when one of them invited her for a chat and the six of them raped her. 24-yr-old in prison custody over toy gun LAGOS— A 24-year-old school dropout, Yusuf Lawal, was yesterday remanded in Kirikiri Prison custody by a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja, for allegedly being in possession of a gun, which was later discovered to be a toy gun. The defendant, who is standing trial before Justice Kudirat Jose, is facing a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, robbery and unlawful possession of firearms, preferred against him. The prosecuting counsel Adejumo Kester, said that the defendant and others at large on August 14, 2011 at Raji Oba in Alimosho, area of Lagos, conspired among themselves to commit, robbery.

Good Night Madiba (1918-2013)

THE tributes are endless. They all agree that a great man has gone at 95. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was extraordinary in his selflessness, generosity of spirit. The perspective, perception, and perspicacity he brought to all issues marked him out – they account for the endless panegyrics that have attended his transition. Here was a man who committed his life to the struggle from youth, spent 27 years in prison, since he was unwilling to compromise his stand that all human beings are equal and that black South Africans should not be prevented from aspiring to their potentials because they were black. Madiba was the star in the cast that understood human rights, fought for them, when a moralistic world ran on the superiority of the white race. It was a paradox that world leaders, whose claim to their places on the global podium was defence of human rights, boisterously excluded South Africa. The hypocrisy has not ceased. They are not apologising for the mistreatment of South Africans during apartheid. They have no appreciation for the tenacity of African countries that sustained the struggle. Apartheid protagonists and their ardent supporters, who put Madiba away for 27 years, had no idea how their staid stand was engraving the man’s greatness on the conscience of the world. If they knew, they would possibly have applied other approaches. How would apartheid have run without Madiba? Who would have had the forgiving spirit of Madiba? If not Madiba, which South African would have given up power after a struggle that should entitle him to whatever he wanted in South Africa? Madiba’s was a life of sacrifice. He sealed his desires within the context of the common good of South Africans, whether black, white or coloured. He was Spartan. He exemplified the practical side of living simply so that others may simply live. With his transition, the Madiba challenge to leaders round the world has increased. Would they take up the task of improving the world, to match the tributes they keenly paid Madiba or would their enthusiastic applause of his greatness end with graveside orations? Preaching would not solve the challenges the world faces. The annual congregation of world leaders, in New York, at the United Nations, has failed to make a better world because their selfishness is evident in their postulations. Madiba stood against racism. He enlisted in the struggle to end it, succeeding against overwhelming odds, and haughty western views that rated his efforts futile, stating that apartheid was ordained. His life spoke volumes about the triumph of good over evil and the shamelessness of perpetrators of evil. Adieu Madiba, you left the world better than you met it.

I will never regret obeying the command of Allah – Michael Adebolajo

LONDON (AFP) – Michael Adebolajo who was accused of the gruesome murder of a British soldier told his trial on Monday that he loves Al-Qaeda and considers the Islamic militants to be his “brothers”. Michael Adebolajo, 28, sat surrounded by security guards as he began giving evidence in his trial at London’s Old Bailey court. He and Michael Adebowale, 22, are accused of murdering 25-year-old soldier Lee Rigby in broad daylight as he walked back to his London barracks in May. The court has heard that the pair ran Rigby over with a car before attacking him with knives. Adebolajo attempted to behead him with a meat cleaver. The defendants, both Britons of Nigerian descent, deny murder. The soldier’s family sat just metres (feet) from Adebolajo in the courtroom as he said: “Al-Qaeda, I consider to be mujahideen. I love them, they’re my brothers.” The defendant, who wore a black Islamic robe, added that he has never met members of the militant group. The trial heard last week that Adebolajo told police he and Adebowale targeted a soldier because they believed this was “the most fair target” in an attack aimed at avenging the deaths of Muslims abroad. Adebolajo said on Monday that they attacked Rigby “for one reason and one reason only — that’s foreign policy”. The jury heard that he was raised as a Christian but converted to Islam in his first year at Greenwich University in south London, close to where Rigby was killed, in 2002 or 2003. “My religion is everything,” the married father-of-six told the court. Growing up in Romford, east of London, he said that the “vast majority” of his school friends were white Britons. One of them had joined the army and was killed in Iraq. Adebolajo said he held former prime minister Tony Blair, who sent British forces to join the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, “responsible” for his friend’s death. Adebolajo tried to travel to Somalia in 2010 but was captured in Kenya and brought back to Britain, the court heard. He said that before the brutal attack on Rigby, he had attended demonstrations organised by an Islamist group banned under British anti-terror laws, but then realised the protests were “impotent rage”. “In reality, no demonstration will make a difference,” he added. The defendant, who has asked to be called Mujaahid Abu Hamza in court, said several times that he was a “soldier” and that he did not regret what happened to Rigby. “I will never regret obeying the command of Allah. That is all I can say,” he said. He told police after the brutal attack on May 22 that he tried to behead Rigby because it was the most “humane” way to kill him, comparing it to halal butchery methods.