In a shocking incident that marred Christmas celebrations, gunmen targeted and shot a Catholic priest in Imo State on the morning of December 25, 2025. The attack occurred as the clergyman was preparing for a joyous holiday mass, casting a pall over the community.
Christmas Morning Attack in Ogbaku
The victim, an assistant parish priest at Saint Kelvin Catholic Church in Ogbaku, Owerri West Local Government Area, was approaching the church gate at approximately 8:00 am when the assailants struck. According to sources, the priest was hit in the right hand by gunfire.
A witness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the sudden and terrifying moment. "The priest was trying to enter the gate for the morning mass, but we just heard a sound, and the next thing, he was in pain, and he had been shot," the source stated. The gunmen were not visibly present at the scene, leading to speculation that the shot was fired from a concealed or distant location, possibly a stray bullet.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigation
The Imo State Police Command has confirmed awareness of the incident. The State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, noted that while the church had not yet formally reported the shooting, officers had been dispatched to investigate.
"Yes, I’m aware of the incident, though the church is yet to officially report the shooting," DSP Okoye said. "However, the Divisional Police Officer for Owerri West has visited the church to verify the claims. He has also requested to see the priest to aid the investigation."
The wounded priest was rushed to a hospital and is currently receiving medical treatment for the gunshot wound. The church community has reportedly been holding prayers for his swift and full recovery.
A Disturbing Pattern of Attacks on Clergy
This Christmas Day shooting adds to a deeply concerning trend of violence targeting religious leaders in Nigeria in 2025. The incident recalls the brutal abduction and murder of Reverend Father Sylvester Okechukwu in Kaduna State earlier in the year, an act condemned by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria.
Other clergymen have also fallen victim:
- Venerable Edwin Achi, an Anglican priest from Kaduna, died in captivity after being abducted with his family. His kidnappers had demanded a ransom of N600 million.
These attacks highlight a severe security challenge, raising urgent questions about the safety of communities and religious figures, particularly during significant celebrations. The shooting in Imo State, occurring on a day of peace and joy, has intensified calls for more robust protective measures and effective law enforcement responses to curb the menace of gunmen and kidnappers across the nation.
