A tragic incident has emerged from the Nnewi Catholic Diocese in Anambra State, where Rev. Fr. Tobias Chukwujekwu Okonkwo was brutally killed by unidentified gunmen. The unfortunate event took place on Thursday, December 26, 2024, during the evening hours, specifically between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM, along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway in the Ihiala local government area.

This shocking violence occurs just three days after another alarming incident in the region, when Hon. Justice Azuka, a member of the state House of Assembly representing the Onitsha North constituency, was kidnapped on Christmas Eve at approximately 9:20 PM. He was abducted in the Ugwunakpamkpa area of Inland Town, Onitsha, while returning home to celebrate the Christmas festivities with his family.

Rev. Fr. Tobias was not only a priest but also a pharmacist and the manager of the Respective School of Nursing, Midwifery and Medical Laboratory at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Ihiala. The Chancellor of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Raphael Ezeogu, shared his profound sorrow regarding the loss of the dedicated priest, noting that he hailed from Ekwulumili and was born on August 11, 1984. Fr. Tobias was ordained as a priest on July 11, 2015, and his life was tragically cut short at the age of 40.

In a heartfelt statement, Ezeogu called for prayers and Holy Masses to honor Fr. Tobias and to seek eternal peace for his soul. “May Fr. Tobias rejoice in Paradise forever, Amen,” he expressed. Arrangements for his funeral will be announced at a later time, he added.

In a related matter, the retired Anglican Archbishop of Nnewi Anglican Diocese, Most Rev. Godwin Okpala, aged 75, is still missing following his kidnapping two weeks ago in Nnewi. Like the abducted lawmaker Azuka, no information regarding his whereabouts has surfaced, raising concerns among the local community.

In response to these troubling events, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, provided an update on the investigation. He confirmed on Thursday that Azuka’s vehicle, from which he was abducted, had been located in the popular Upper Iweka area of Onitsha by a specialized police team. However, despite their ongoing efforts, officers have yet to find the lawmaker or apprehend those responsible for his kidnapping.

Efforts to reach SP Ikenga for additional comments regarding the current status of the investigations have been unsuccessful;. The series of violent incidents in Anambra State highlights a growing concern for safety and security within the community, prompting calls for increased vigilance and law enforcement intervention.