Unknown gunmen have killed Reverend Father Tobias Okonkwo of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi in Anambra State.
Gatekeepers News reports that Chancellor of the church, Reverend Raphael Ezeogu disclosed this in a statement released in Onitsha on Friday.
Ezeogu said Rev. Okonkwo was shot dead by the gunmen on Onitsha-Owerri Expressway at about 7:00 p.m. on Thursday.
The cleric solicited prayers and Holy Masses from the catholic faithful for the deceased eternal joy, adding that where sorrow increases, divine consolation increases all the more.
He said, “The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi announces, with sorrow, but with stronger faith, that our dear Rev. Fr. Tobias Chukwujekwu Okonkwo died December 26.”
“He was shot dead by unidentified assailants at Ihiala, on the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway, between 7p.m. and 8 p.m.”
“We solicit your prayers and Holy Masses for his eternal joy.”
“May Fr. Tobias rejoice in Paradise for ever Amen.”
“May God console the bereaved,” the cleric stated.”
Ezeogu further said that funeral arrangements would be communicated in due course.
Confirming the incident, Police spokesperson for the state command, Josephine Ihunwo, noted that the command has begun an investigation into the incident,
She said, “The command is on top of the situation, and the men have been sent out on the issue. The residents should be calm as the police are working to ensure adequate security.”
Police command in the state is yet to comment on the incident as of the time of writing this report.
