Catholic Assistant Priest Shot on Christmas Morning in Imo State - Gist Cent

 

An assistant parish priest of Saint Kelvin Catholic Church, Ogbaku, in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, was shot by unknown gunmen on Christmas Day.

The incident reportedly occurred at about 8:00 a.m. as the priest was approaching the church gate to celebrate the morning Mass. His identity has not yet been officially disclosed.

According to a source familiar with the incident, the priest sustained a gunshot injury to his right hand. The attacker was not seen at the scene, raising concerns about the nature and origin of the shooting.

The source explained that the gunshot appeared to have come from a hidden and distant position, making it difficult for church members and residents in the area to identify the assailant.

Following the attack, the injured priest was rushed to an undisclosed hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment. Members of the church community are said to be offering prayers for his recovery.

“The shooting happened on Christmas Day when everyone was in a joyful mood,” the source said. “The priest was about to enter the church gate for morning Mass when a gunshot rang out. The next thing we noticed was that he was in pain after being hit.”

The source added that the possibility of a stray bullet could not be ruled out, as no one witnessed the actual shooter.

The Imo State Police Command confirmed awareness of the incident. The police spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, said although the church had not formally reported the shooting, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Owerri West had visited the church to verify the incident.

He added that the police requested access to the injured priest to assist ongoing investigations aimed at determining the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Meanwhile, the Catholic Archbishop of the Owerri Archdiocese, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, also confirmed the incident, stating that the perpetrators remain unknown.

Investigations are ongoing.