Fear has gripped citizens of Anambra State following tragic incidents of kidnappings and killings involving prominent clergymen.
On Thursday, Boxing Day December 26, the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi confirmed the murder of Reverend Father Chukwujekwu Okonkwo, a Catholic priest and pharmacist, who was shot dead by unidentified gunmen between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway in Ihiala.
The Chancellor of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Tobias Ezeogu, announced the tragic loss in a statement, describing the killing as a devastating blow to the church and community.
Fr. Okonkwo, born on August 11, 1984, was ordained a priest on July 11, 2015.
At the time of his death, he was serving as the Manager of the Schools of Nursing, Midwifery, and Medical Laboratory at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala.
The Diocese has urged the faithful to pray for Fr. Okonkwo’s soul and comfort his grieving family, saying that funeral arrangements will be announced later.
Meanwhile, the whereabouts of Most Rev. Godwin Okpala, a 75-year-old retired Anglican Archbishop and former Bishop of the Nnewi Diocese, remain unknown, 23 days after he was abducted by gunmen.
A local bus driver told The Nation on Friday, “Nobody feels safe anymore. Many people are considering relocating to other States.”
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, were unsuccessful.
However, a senior police officer disclosed that the command had yet to receive a report on the killing but promised to investigate.
The statement from the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi read: “With a heavy heart, I share the sad news of the passing of Rev. Fr. Tobias Chukwujekwu Okonkwo, a devoted Catholic priest from Nnewi Diocese, Anambra State. He was tragically shot and killed by unknown gunmen on December 26th.
“Fr. Okonkwo was a remarkable individual who served as a pharmacist and priest in charge of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. His dedication to his faith and community will be deeply missed.
“May Fr. Okonkwo’s soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace through God’s mercy. Amen.
“May God comfort his loved ones and the community during this difficult time.”
