Tragedy has hit the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi in Anambra following the reported killing of Rev. Tobias Okonkwo by yet-to-be-identified gunmen.
The chancellor of the Nnewi Diocese, Raphael Ezeogu, disclosed the incident in a statement on Friday.
Mr Ezeogu stated that Mr Okonkwo was shot dead by the gunmen on the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway at about 7:00 p.m. on Thursday.
The statement solicited prayers and Holy Mass from the Catholic faithful for the deceased’s eternal joy.
Mr Ezeogu said, “The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi announces, with sorrow, but with stronger faith, that our dear Rev. Fr. Tobias Chukwujekwu Okonkwo died December 26.
“He was shot dead by unidentified assailants at Ihiala, on the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway, between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. We solicit your prayers and Holy Masses for his eternal joy. May Fr. Tobias rejoice in paradise forever. Amen. May God console the bereaved.”
He further stated that funeral arrangements would be communicated in due course.