Catholic Priest Gunned Down In Anambra

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The security challenges facing Anambra state of recent has continued unabated with the gruesome killing of the Catholic Priest of Nnewi Diocese, Rev Fr.Tobias Okonkwo.

A statement issued on Friday December 27, 2024 by the Chancellor of the Diocese, Rev Fr Raphael Ezeogu, informed that Okonkwo was tragically shot by  gunmen on Thursday December 26, 2024, along the Ihiala section of the Onitsha/ Owerri Road.

The Source reports that the incident is coming on the heels of the abduction of Hon Justice Azuka, the member representing Onitsha Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly.

The Labour Party Legislator was attacked and kidnapped on the  eve of Christmas  along Ugwunpampa road .

Although, as at Thursday ,December 26, the police had been able to recover his vehicle ,but his whereabouts remain unknown.

It will be recalled that ,most parts of the state have been rendered largely unsafe ,by spates of violent criminal activities by hoodlums in the last few months .

The statement from the Diocese indicated that ,the late priest was attacked and gruesomely killed by the assailants on the ever busy Onitsha-Owerri road.

At the time of his untimely death ,Rev Okonkwo ,40 ,was the Manager in charge of Nursing ,Midwifery and Medical Laboratory Programmes at the Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Ihiala Anambra state ,according to the Diocesan statement.

” We ask for your prayers and Holy Masses for his eternal peace .May Fr,Tobias dwell in paradise forever .May God provide comfort to those he has left behind”the statement further reads .

The late priest  hailed from  Ekwulumili Community in Nnewi South Local Government of Anambra state .