Popular Nigerian Cleric Assassinated

News update

A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Mathew Eya, has been killed by gunmen in Eha-Ndiagu community, Eha-Alumonah, Nsukka local government area of Enugu State.

The incident happened on Friday while the priest, who was in charge of St. Charles Catholic Church, was returning from Enugu.

Witnesses said armed men on a motorbike intercepted his vehicle near the site of a hospital project and opened fire at close range.

His car was forced to stop after its tyres were destroyed before the attackers moved in and shot him several times.

Although some initial reports linked the case to kidnapping, sources suggested that the attack appeared more like an assassination since the priest was targeted directly and was alone in the car.

The Catholic Diocese of Nsukka has confirmed the killing and expressed deep sorrow over the loss.

The late priest was from Ugbaike in Enugu Ezike, Igbo-Eze North local government area of the state.

Security operatives are yet to give further details on the killing, but the incident has thrown the Nsukka Catholic community and the wider Enugu area into mourning.