Nnewi Catholic Diocese has confirmed the tragic killing of Reverend Father Tobias Chukwujekwu Okonkwo by unidentified gunmen.
According to a statement issued by the Chancellor of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Raphael Ezeogu, stated that the incident occurred on the evening of December 26 (Boxing Day) between 7pm and 8pm, along Onitsha-Owerri Expressway in Ihiala.
Rev. Fr. Ezeogu noted that the killing follows the recent abduction of a 75-year-old retired Anglican Archbishop, Most Reverend Godwin Okpala, whose whereabouts remain unknown, raising further concerns about security in the region.
He mentioned that the late Fr. Okonkwo, was a pharmacist who served as the Manager of the Schools of Nursing, Midwifery, and Medical Laboratory at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala.
The Diocese described his death as a devastating loss but expressed hope in God’s comfort and consolation, as they call on the faithful to pray for the repose of his soul and for strength for his grieving family, while noting that details of his funeral arrangements will be announced later.
This killing follows the recent abduction of a 75-year-old retired Anglican Archbishop, Most Reverend Godwin Okpala, whose whereabouts remain unknown, raising further concerns about security in the region.
