In a shocking incident that marred Christmas celebrations, gunmen opened fire on a Catholic priest in Imo State, South-East Nigeria. The attack targeted an assistant parish priest at Saint Kelvin Catholic Church, Ogbaku, located within the Owerri West Local Government Area.
Christmas Morning Ambush at Church Gate
The violent event occurred at approximately 8:00 am on Wednesday, December 25th, 2024. According to sources, the clergyman was shot as he approached the church gate to conduct morning Mass. A source who requested anonymity stated that the priest was struck in his right hand by the gunfire.
The assailants were not visibly present at the scene, leading to speculation that they fired from a concealed and distant position. This tactic made it impossible for witnesses to identify the shooter or shooters. "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 pains that he had been shot," the source recounted.
Response and Investigation Underway
The wounded priest was swiftly transported to an undisclosed hospital where he is currently receiving medical treatment for his gunshot injuries. Prayers are being offered by the congregation and community for his full recovery.
The Imo State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, confirmed awareness of the incident. Okoye noted that while the church had not yet filed a formal report, the Divisional Police Officer for Owerri West had visited the church to verify the claims and had requested to see the priest to aid the investigation.
The Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, also confirmed the shooting. He emphasized that the identity and motives of those responsible remain unknown at this time.
Community Reels from Festive Season Attack
The attack has sent waves of fear and sadness through the local community, striking on a day traditionally marked by peace and joy. The source described the mood, saying, "The shooting happened on Christmas day when everyone was in a joyous mood."
Authorities have launched a full investigation to ascertain the precise circumstances surrounding the incident. Key lines of inquiry will focus on the location of the attackers and their possible motives. The police are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist their efforts.
This event highlights ongoing security challenges in parts of the South-East region, where places of worship and religious figures have occasionally become targets. The community now waits anxiously for updates on the priest's condition and for answers from the ongoing police probe.
