Tragedy struck in Enugu over the weekend as gunmen shot and killed Rev. Fr. Mathew Eya, parish priest of St. Charles Catholic Church, Eha-Ndiagu, in Nsukka Local Government Area.
The gunmen kill Catholic priest in Enugu incident occurred along the Eha-Ndiagu road, where the priest was ambushed by armed men suspected to be kidnappers. He died instantly, while other occupants of the vehicle were allegedly abducted.
Eyewitness Account of Gunmen Kill Catholic Priest in Enugu
Sources suggested the killing may have been a targeted assassination rather than a kidnapping. An eyewitness revealed that the priest, who was driving alone, was ambushed near the Type C hospital project site.
“They demobilised the tyres, forced the vehicle to stop, and shot him multiple times at close range,” the source said, noting that the attack did not appear to involve ransom demands.
Community Reaction After Gunmen Kill Catholic Priest in Enugu
The Nsukka Catholic Diocese has expressed deep sorrow over the killing, describing it as a devastating loss to the church and the community. The late priest hailed from Ugbaike in Enugu Ezike, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area.
The killing has sparked fear and outrage among residents, with many calling for urgent government intervention to curb rising violence in the state.
Official Response to Gunmen Kill Catholic Priest in Enugu
As of the time of this report, neither the police nor the Catholic Diocese has issued an official statement. Security experts warn that unchecked violence could further destabilize communities in Enugu State.
