Assassins have shot dead a Catholic Priest along Owerri-Onitsha expressway in Anambra State.
The victim, Rev. Fr. Tobias Chukwujekwu Okonkwo, was reportedly killed on Thursday, December 26, 2024 between the evening hour of 7 pm – 8 pm
The sad news of his death was confirmed by the Chancellor of Nnewi Diocese, Rev. Fr. Raphael Ezeogu, in an official obituary announcement.
”The Catholic Dioceses of Nnewi announces, with sorrow, but with stronger faith, that our dear Rev. Fr. Tobias Chukwujekwu Okonkwo died yesterday (Thursday), 26th December 2024.
”He was shot dead by unidentified assailants at Ihiala, along Onitsha-Owerri expressway around 7 p. m and 8 p. m.
Late Rev. Fr. Tobias Okonkwo
“Born on August 11, 1984, died December 26, 2024. Where sorrow increases, divine consolation increases all the more.”
Fr Tobias, who was also a pharmacist was shot dead on Boxing Day, December 26, the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi said in a statement on Friday.
The Diocese described the death of the priest as a devastating loss, but expressed faith in divine consolation. The late Fr. Okonkwo was born on August 11, 1984, and ordained as a priest on July 11, 2015.
According to the statement, he was serving as the Manager of the Schools of Nursing, Midwifery, and Medical Laboratory at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala before he was brutally murdered.
“The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi has called on the faithful to offer prayers and Holy Masses for the eternal rest of Fr. Tobias and to console his bereaved family. Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course. The Diocese urged authorities to investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“As the Catholic community mourns the loss of this dedicated priest, they take comfort in the statement: “Where sorrow increases, divine consolation increases all the more.”
