Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Catholic Diocese of Nsukka, Enugu State, has debunked a report aired on Arise Television alleging that the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), recently killed two of its priests.
The report, credited to one Zagazola Wakama, claimed that Rev. Fr. Matthew Eya and Very Rev. Fr. John Igwebueze were murdered by IPOB/ESN operatives.
In a statement signed by the Director of Communications, Fr. Emmanuel Asadu, the diocese faulted the broadcast for lacking proper verification.
According to the statement, Very Rev. Fr. Igwebueze had been battling a long-term illness since 2012 and “peacefully died on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Bishop Shanahan Hospital, Nsukka,” with no connection to violence.
On Fr. Eya, the diocese confirmed that he was shot on September 19, 2025, by unknown assailants while returning to his parish after a pastoral assignment. Security agencies are still investigating the incident, and no group has claimed responsibility.
“As we await the outcome of the security investigations, we urge the media and the public to report responsibly and refrain from mixing unrelated incidents,” Fr. Asadu stated, emphasizing that accuracy is crucial when reporting sensitive matters involving loss of life.
