A Catholic priest in Imo State was shot by unknown gunmen on Christmas Day, sparking fear and concern within the local community and the church. The incident occurred at St. Kevin’s Parish in Ogbaku, Mbaitoli Local Government Area, around 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, leaving the assistant parish priest, Rev. Fr. Raymond Njoku, injured but alive.
Eyewitnesses said Fr. Njoku was opening the church gate when he was suddenly shot by assailants believed to be kidnappers. According to a source who spoke with journalists in Owerri, “It happened this morning. He was trying to enter the gate, but before he could do that, a bullet from nowhere hit him.”
The attack appears to have been carefully executed from a distance, as witnesses reported that no one was seen in the immediate vicinity at the time of the shooting. One of the bullets struck the priest on his right arm, causing injuries, but he was rushed to a nearby hospital and is reportedly responding well to treatment.
“Nobody saw the people that shot him; it was like a stray bullet. Thank God he did not die. He has been taken to the hospital,” said another source close to the parish.
Further details from the Archdiocese of Owerri revealed that Fr. Njoku was attacked while driving back to his parish residence. His vehicle was reportedly riddled with bullets during the assault, but, miraculously, none hit any vital organ.
“His vehicle was riddled with bullets, but by God’s grace, none hit any vital organ,” an official of the Archdiocese said. “His right hand was injured. He feigned death, and the gunmen fled.”
The Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, confirmed the attack, describing it as a shocking and troubling incident. He added that the identities of the gunmen were unknown and that the church was cooperating with security agencies to understand what happened.
“The priest has been seriously shaken by the attack, but thankfully, he survived,” Archbishop Ugorji said. “We are calling on all parishioners to remain calm while authorities investigate the matter.”
The Imo State Police Command has acknowledged awareness of the shooting, although no official report had been filed with the police at the time of confirmation. DSP Henry Okoye, the Police Public Relations Officer, said that while the incident had not yet been formally reported, the Divisional Police Officer for Owerri West had visited the church to verify the claims and requested to see Fr. Njoku to aid the investigation.
“Yes, I’m aware of the incident, though the church is yet to officially report the shooting. 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,” Okoye said.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including whether the attackers had a specific target or if the attack was a random act of violence. Security experts say that incidents involving gun attacks on clergy, although rare in Imo State, raise serious concerns about the safety of religious workers and their communities.
Christmas Day, traditionally a time of peace and celebration in Nigeria, was reportedly overshadowed in Ogbaku as news of the attack spread. Parishioners described a tense morning, with some people reportedly staying indoors for fear of additional attacks.
Fr. Njoku has served at St. Kevin’s Parish for several years, where he is known for his pastoral work and dedication to the community. The attack on him has left residents worried about the security of clergy and other community leaders in the area.
Imo State has in the past faced security challenges, including incidents of armed robbery, cult clashes, and isolated cases of kidnapping. While such violent acts are not common in Ogbaku specifically, the shooting of a Catholic priest has heightened fears among residents and local religious institutions.
Local authorities and security agencies have called on residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. They have also reassured the public that efforts are being made to apprehend the assailants and prevent further attacks.
The Imo State Police Command has urged the church to formally report the incident to aid the investigation, stressing that timely reports are critical in apprehending criminals and ensuring justice. Investigators are expected to examine forensic evidence from the scene, including ballistic analysis and security camera footage, to identify the gunmen.
Meanwhile, parishioners and religious leaders have expressed relief that Fr. Njoku survived the attack. Messages of support and prayers for his quick recovery have been shared widely across the community and on social media.
The attack has also reignited discussions about the need for enhanced security measures around religious institutions, particularly in areas where isolated violent incidents have occurred. Security analysts emphasize the importance of both preventive measures and community engagement in safeguarding places of worship.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on identifying the attackers, understanding the motive, and ensuring that Fr. Njoku recovers fully from his injuries. For the people of Ogbaku and the wider Mbaitoli Local Government Area, the incident is a reminder of the challenges of maintaining safety, even in seemingly peaceful communities.