x

Gunmen Kill Catholic Priest in Anambra

By Abigail Philip David

Reverend Father Tobias Okonkwo, a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi in Anambra State, was tragically shot dead by unknown gunmen on Thursday, December 26, 2024.

The incident occurred around 7 p.m. along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway near Ihiala. The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi announced his death in a letter dated December 27, 2024, signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Raphael Ezeogu.

The letter, titled “Obituary,” revealed that Father Okonkwo, born on August 11, 1984, and ordained on July 11, 2015, was a native of Ekwulumili in Nnewi South Local Government Area. He was the manager of the Schools of Nursing, Midwifery, and Medical Laboratory at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala.

“Where sorrow increases, divine consolation increases all the more,” the letter read. “We solicit your prayers and Holy Masses for his eternal joy. May Fr. Tobias rejoice in Paradise forever. May God console the bereaved.”

The Diocese stated that funeral arrangements would be announced later. Efforts to contact the Diocesan Secretariat and the Anambra State Police Command for further details were unsuccessful at the time of this report.

This tragedy comes just three weeks after the disappearance of retired Anglican Archbishop of the Niger Province, Most Rev. Prof. Godwin Okpala, and his driver on December 7, 2024. The two went missing during a trip to the Umuchu community in Aguata Local Government Area, with their whereabouts still unknown.

The incident has heightened concerns over insecurity in the state, with both Catholic and Anglican faithful calling for prayers and swift action from authorities.

Hot this week

How Violence Starves Nigeria’s Food Basket

By Emmanuel Sam DavidBenue State, once renowned as the...

Jang Congratulates Plateau PDP, Commends Gov. Mutfwang for Peaceful Congress

By Israel Adamu, JosFormer Governor of Plateau State, Senator...

TCN Tower Vandalized on Gombe–Damaturu 330kV Line, Disrupting Power Supply to Northeast

By Jabiru HassanThe Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has...

Arsenal’s Youngsters Shine as Gunners Beat Brighton to Reach EFL Cup Quarter-Finals

Arsenal’s new generation delivered a dazzling display on Wednesday...

BREAKING: Police Arrest Omoyele Sowore at Abuja Court

Human rights activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, was arrested...

NSUK Alumni Boost Campus Healthcare with N3.2m Medical Donation

By Abel Zwanke, LafiaThe Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK)...

Osimhen Named Greatest Striker to Ever Play in Turkish Super Lig

Former Fenerbahçe forward Serhat Akın has hailed Victor Osimhen...

Recent Surge in Cult Violence in Osun State: A Threat to Lives, Learning, and Peace

By Nadia Binta AhmedNigeria continues to grapple with the...

Swansea 1–3 Manchester City: Rayan Cherki Shines as City Storm Into Carabao Cup Quarter-Finals

Manchester City produced a dominant second-half performance to overturn...

Arsenal’s Youngsters Shine as Gunners Beat Brighton to Reach EFL Cup Quarter-Finals

Arsenal’s new generation delivered a dazzling display on Wednesday...

Boost for Nigeria as Chidozie Awaziem Returns Ahead of Crucial Gabon Clash

The Super Eagles have received a major boost ahead...

BAVCCA urges Nigerians to defend Dangote Refinery

President of the Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img