Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr Tobias Okonkwo Shot Dead by Gunmen in Anambra

A Catholic priest in the Diocese of Nnewi, Anambra State, Reverend Father Tobias Okonkwo, was tragically shot dead by unidentified gunmen on Thursday evening.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the incident occurred along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway around 7 p.m. Father Okonkwo, a pharmacist and manager of the Schools of Nursing, Midwifery, and Medical Laboratory at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Ihiala, was traveling when the assailants attacked.

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The Diocese confirmed the news in a letter dated December 27, 2024, signed by the Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Raphael Ezeogu. The letter expressed sorrow over the loss and called on Catholic faithful to offer prayers and Holy Masses for the deceased’s eternal repose.

Father Okonkwo, born on August 11, 1984, and ordained on July 11, 2015, was a native of Ekwulumili in Nnewi South Local Government Area. Funeral arrangements are to be announced later.

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The killing comes amidst heightened concerns in Anambra State, following the disappearance of retired Anglican Archbishop Most Rev. Prof. Godwin Okpala and his driver earlier in December. Despite intensive search efforts, their whereabouts remain unknown, adding to the state’s growing insecurity concerns.

Efforts to reach the Anambra State Police Command and the Diocesan Secretariat for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of reporting.

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