An assistant parish priest of Saint Kelvin Catholic Church in Ogbaku, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, was shot on Christmas Day by gunmen believed to have been fleeing from an earlier, undisclosed incident.
The priest, whose name had not been officially released as at the time of reporting, was reportedly hit around 8:00 a.m. while approaching the church premises for the morning Mass.
A source, who requested anonymity, said the cleric sustained a gunshot wound to his right hand, noting that no suspect was seen at the scene. The source explained that the shots appeared to have been fired from a hidden and distant position, making it difficult for witnesses to identify the attacker.
The injured priest was immediately taken to an undisclosed hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment, as prayers continue for his recovery.
Recounting the incident, the source said the shooting occurred on Christmas Day while residents were in a festive mood. According to the account, the priest was about to enter the church gate when a gunshot was heard, after which he cried out in pain. The source suggested it may have been a stray bullet, as no one saw who fired the shot. The priest is reportedly responding to treatment as prayers are being offered for his survival.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Imo State Command, DSP Henry Okoye, said the incident had not yet been formally reported to the police. He added that the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Owerri West had visited the church to verify the report and had requested to see the priest to assist ongoing investigations.
The Catholic Archbishop of the Owerri Archdiocese, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, also confirmed the shooting, stating that the identity of those responsible was still unknown.
Police said investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
