A Catholic priest from the Nnewi Diocese, Rev Fr Tobias Chukwujekwu Okonkwo, has been shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Ihiala, Anambra State. The incident occurred on Boxing Day, December 26, 2024.
The tragic news was announced
in a statement by Rev Fr Raphael Ezeogu, Chancellor of the Nnewi Diocese. The
diocese described Fr Okonkwo as a devoted priest and pharmacist who served as
the Manager of the Schools of Nursing, Midwifery, and Medical Laboratory at Our
Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala.
Born on August 11, 1984, Fr
Okonkwo’s untimely death has left the diocese and the local community in
mourning. “This is a devastating loss, but we take solace in divine
consolation,” the statement read.
The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi
has urged the faithful to offer prayers and Holy Masses for the eternal repose
of Fr Okonkwo's soul and to provide comfort to his grieving family.
This killing comes less than
two weeks after the abduction of a 75-year-old retired Anglican Archbishop,
Most Reverend Godwin Okpala, who remains in captivity. The recent events have
heightened concerns over the security situation in Anambra State.
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