Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The joy and festivities of the Christmas season has again been interrupted in Anambra State, following gruesome murder of a Roman Catholic Priest, Rev Fr.Tobias Chukwujekwu Okonkwo.
The priest was shot dead by an unidentified gunman at Ihiala along Onitsha–Owerri road on the 26th of December, 2024.
The killing came on the heels of the kidnap of the member representing Onitsha North 1 constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Justice Azuka.
It also followed the abduction of ArchBishop Godwin Okpara, kidnapped on the 6th of December whose whereabouts is still unknown.
According to the release from Nnewi Catholic Diocese signed by Rev Fr Raphael Ezeogu who is the Chancellor of the Diocese; “Where sorrow increases, divine consolation increases all the more.
“The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi announces, with sorrow, but with stronger faith, that our dear Rev. Fr. Tobias Chukwujekwu Okonkwo died yesterday, 26th December 2024.”
“He was shot dead by unidentified assailants, at Ihiala, along Onitsha-Owerri Expressway around 7pm and 8pm.
“Till yesterday, Fr. Tobias, a pharmacist, and native of Ekwulumili in Nnewi South Local Government Area, was Manager of the respective Schools of Nursing, Midwifery, and Medical Laboratory at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Ihiala.
“We solicit your prayers and Holy Masses for his eternal joy. May Fr. Tobias rejoices in Paradise for ever Amen.
“May God console the bereaved. Funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course,” he said.
As at the time of filing this report the Anambra Police Public Relations Officer SP Tochukwu Ikenga could not be reached for reaction.
