Nigeria: Priest shot dead by unknown gunmen

Fr Tobias Okonkwo. Image ACN Ireland

Catholic priest Fr Tobias Chukwujekwu Okonkwo, was shot dead on Boxing Day by unidentified gunmen along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway in south east Nigeria.

The Chancellor of Nnewi Diocese announced the news in a statement issued today, Friday, 27 December. Fr Ezeogu said Fr Tobias was killed between 7 and 8pm along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway. He was 40 years old.

Fr Tobias, who was also a pharmacist, was the Manager of the Schools of Nursing, Midwifery, and Medical Laboratory and priest in charge, at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Ihiala.

Born on 11 August, 1984 Fr Tobias was ordained as a priest on July 11, 2015.

Nnewi Diocese have asked the faithful to offer prayers and Holy Masses for the eternal rest of Fr Tobias and to console his bereaved family. Funeral arrangements of Fr Okonkwo will be announced in due course.

May he rest in peace.