Gunmen shoot Catholic Priest on Christmas Day in Imo Community

Gunmen suspected to be fleeing from an undisclosed incident on Christmas Day have shot an assistant parish priest of Saint Kelvin Catholic Church, Ogbaku, in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.

The priest, whose identity had yet to be officially confirmed as of press time, was reportedly shot at about 8:00am on Christmas morning while approaching the church gate for the day’s Mass.

A source within the community, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the priest was hit in the right hand, adding that the assailant was not seen at the scene.

According to the source, the gunmen appeared to have fired from a concealed and distant location, making it difficult for anyone around the church premises to identify the shooter.

“The shooting happened on Christmas Day when everyone was in a joyous mood,” the source said.

“The priest was trying to enter the gate for the morning Mass when we suddenly heard a gunshot. The next thing, he was in pain and shouting that he had been shot.

“Maybe it was a stray bullet from somewhere nearby, but the strange thing is that nobody saw who fired the shot.”

The injured priest was immediately rushed to an undisclosed hospital, where he is currently receiving medical attention. Members of the church and the wider Catholic community are said to be offering prayers for his recovery.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Imo State Command, DSP Henry Okoye, said the case had not yet been formally reported to the police.

“Yes, I’m aware of the incident, though the church is yet to officially report the shooting,” Okoye said.

“However, the Divisional Police Officer for Owerri West has visited the church to verify the claims and has requested to see the priest to aid investigation.”

Also confirming the shooting, the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, said the identity of those responsible remained unknown.

He added that the church was awaiting the outcome of police investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Meanwhile, police authorities said investigations are ongoing to establish the facts of the incident and identify those behind the shooting.

Very Nigerian.

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