- Catholic priest shot while heading for Christmas Mass in Imo
- Attack happened near Saint Kelvin Catholic Church, Ogbaku
- Priest sustained injury to the right hand, now receiving treatment
- Police and church authorities have launched investigations
An Imo Catholic priest was shot on Christmas Day while approaching his church for morning Mass, triggering renewed concerns over the safety of clergy and worshippers during religious gatherings in the state.
An assistant parish priest of Saint Kelvin Catholic Church, Ogbaku, in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, was shot on Christmas morning in an incident that has unsettled the local Christian community.
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The shooting occurred at about 8 a.m. as the priest was heading towards the church gate to celebrate Christmas Mass. He was reportedly hit in the right hand by a bullet fired from an unknown location.
A source familiar with the incident said the attackers appeared to have fired from a concealed position, making it impossible for those present to identify the assailants.
“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 we suddenly heard a gunshot. The next thing we saw was that he had been hit. Nobody saw who fired the shot.”
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The injured priest was immediately rushed to a hospital, where he is currently receiving medical care. Church members have continued to offer prayers for his recovery.
Confirming the incident, Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, said the case had not yet been formally reported to the police, but officers had begun preliminary checks.
“Yes, I am aware of the incident,” Okoye said. “Although the church has not officially reported it, the Divisional Police Officer for Owerri West has visited the church to verify the information and requested to see the priest to assist ongoing investigations.”
The Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, also confirmed the shooting, noting that the identity of those responsible remains unknown as investigations continue.
The incident adds to growing worries over insecurity in Imo State, especially following a series of attacks and kidnappings involving Catholic clergy in recent years.
