Ogona Anita
An assistant parish priest of Saint Kelvin Catholic Church, Ogbaku, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, was shot on Christmas Day by suspected gunmen fleeing an undisclosed incident.
The priest, whose name had not been officially confirmed as of press time, was reportedly hit at about 8am while approaching the church gate for the Christmas morning Mass.
A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the cleric sustained a gunshot injury to his right hand, noting that no suspect was seen at the scene.
The source added that the assailants appeared to have fired from a hidden and distant position, making it difficult for worshippers and residents nearby to identify the shooter.
The injured priest was said to have been immediately rushed to an undisclosed hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment, as prayers continue for his recovery.
Narrating the incident, the source said: “The shooting happened on Christmas day when everyone was in a joyous mood.
“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.
“Probably it was a stray bullet from somewhere close by but the twist was that nobody saw who fired the shot. Meanwhile, the priest is receiving treatment for gunshot wounds in the hospital and prayers are going on for his survival.”
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Imo State Command, DSP Henry Okoye, said the incident had not been formally reported to the police.
“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.
The Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, also confirmed the shooting, but said the identity of those behind the attack was still unknown.
The police said investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
