Tragedy as Anambra Catholic priest falls victim to gun violence

Tragedy struck on Boxing Day, December 26, as Rev. Fr. Tobias Chukwujekwu Okonkwo, a devoted priest of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi, fell victim to a fatal shooting.

The unfortunate incident occurred in Ihiala, Anambra State, at the hands of unidentified gunmen.

According to a statement released by the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi on Friday, Fr. Tobias, who was also a licensed pharmacist, lost his life in the senseless attack.

The Diocese’s announcement has sent shockwaves throughout the community, leaving many to mourn the loss of this multifaceted individual.

According to a statement signed by Rev. Fr. Raphael Ezeogu, Chancellor of the Nnewi Diocese, Fr. Tobias was killed between 7pm and 8pm on Onitsha-Owerri Expressway.

The Diocese described the death of the priest as a devastating loss, but expressed faith in divine consolation.

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

Until his death, he was the Manager of the Schools of Nursing, Midwifery, and Medical Laboratory at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala.

“The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi has called on the faithful to offer prayers and Holy Masses for the eternal rest of Fr. Tobias and to console his bereaved family. Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.

“The Diocese urges authorities to investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“As the Catholic community mourns the loss of this dedicated priest, they take comfort in the statement: “Where sorrow increases, divine consolation increases all the more,” it said.