A shocking attack on Christmas morning has cast a pall over celebrations in Imo State, raising urgent questions about the safety of religious leaders. An assistant parish priest at Saint Kelvin Catholic Church in Ogbaku, Owerri West Local Government Area, was shot while approaching the church for morning Mass.
Details of the Christmas Morning Attack
The incident occurred at approximately 8 a.m. on 25 December 2025. The priest, whose identity remains officially undisclosed, was reportedly shot in the right hand as he neared the church gate. A source familiar with the event stated that the assailants fired from a concealed location, making identification impossible. "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 from being shot," the anonymous source recounted.
The wounded cleric was swiftly transported to an undisclosed hospital where he is currently receiving treatment, with prayers being offered for his full recovery.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigation
The Imo State Police Command has acknowledged the incident. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, confirmed awareness but noted the church had not yet filed a formal report. "The Divisional Police Officer for Owerri West has visited the church to verify the claims and has requested to see the priest to aid the investigation," Okoye stated.
Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese, also confirmed the shooting, emphasising that the perpetrators are still unknown. Authorities have launched an investigation to unravel the precise circumstances behind the attack.
A Pattern of Violence Against Clergy
This Christmas Day shooting is not an isolated event but part of a disturbing trend of attacks targeting Catholic clergy in Imo and other Nigerian states. The incident echoes several other high-profile cases:
- In March 2025, Reverend Father John Ubaechu of Holy Family Catholic Church, Izombe, Imo State, was kidnapped along Ejemekwuru Road in Oguta LGA.
- On 26 May 2023, Father Mathias Opara was abducted on the same route and later released after two days in captivity.
- Earlier in March 2025, Reverend Father Peter Ekweli and seminarian Peter Andrew were abducted in Edo State; the seminarian was killed.
- Also in March, Father Sylvester Okechukwu was kidnapped in Kaduna State and found dead the following day.
This latest assault underscores the persistent security challenges in Imo State and the acute vulnerability of clergy and congregations, especially during major religious observances. It serves as a stark reminder of the continuous efforts required to safeguard places of worship across Nigeria.
