The Catholic community in Anambra State was yesterday thrown into mourning following the confirmation of the killing of a priest, Chukwujekwu Okonkwo, by kidnappers.
He was shot dead on Boxing Day on the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway in one of the security breaches recorded across the country during the Christmas holidays.
News of the killing of Reverend Father Okonkwo was announced by the Chancellor of Nnewi Diocese, Rev Fr Tobias Ezeogu.
“We announce with great sorrow the brutal murder of Reverend Father Tobias Chukwujekwu Okonkwo, a devoted priest and pharmacist, who was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Ihiala, Anambra State, on Boxing Day, December 26, 2024,” Ezeogu said.
He added: “Fr. Tobias was killed between 7pm and 8pm along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway, which is a devastating loss. But we take solace with faith in divine consolation.”
The deceased was born on August 11, 1984, and was ordained as 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 statement said.
