Tragedy struck the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi as Reverend Father Tobias Chukwujekwu Okonkwo, a priest and pharmacist, was brutally murdered on Boxing Day, December 26, 2024, in Ihiala, Anambra State.
The Diocese confirmed the devastating news in a statement signed by Rev. Fr. Raphael Ezeogu, its Chancellor. Fr. Tobias was fatally shot by unidentified gunmen between 7 pm and 8 pm along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway.
This incident comes barely two weeks after the abduction of 75-year-old retired Anglican Archbishop, Most Reverend Godwin Okpala, whose whereabouts remain unknown, further deepening fears in the community.
Born on August 11, 1984, Fr. Tobias was ordained on July 11, 2015, and was serving as the Manager of the Schools of Nursing, Midwifery, and Medical Laboratory at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Ihiala at the time of his death.
The Diocese called on the faithful to pray and offer Holy Masses for the eternal rest of Fr. Tobias and to console his bereaved family. Funeral arrangements will be announced later.
The Catholic community has been left in shock by the senseless killing and is urging authorities to investigate the crime and ensure justice is served.
In their mourning, the faithful draw strength from the Diocese’s comforting message: “Where sorrow increases, divine consolation increases all the more.”
