crime

Gunmen Kill Catholic Priest Rev. Fr. Eya in Enugu

Published

1 year ago

September 20, 2025

A wave of grief in Enugu as gunmen assassinate Catholic priest Rev. Fr. Matthew Eya in Nsukka LGA. Diocese mourns amid rising insecurity

Enugu Catholic priest killed A wave of shock and grief has enveloped Enugu State after Rev. Fr. Matthew Eya, parish priest of St. Charles Catholic Church, was brutally shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Nsukka Local Government Area.

Also read: Enugu Police Launch Decisive Crime Crackdown

The tragic incident happened on Friday evening, September 19, 2025, along the Eha-Alumona–Eha-Ndiagu Road.

Initial reports suggested a botched kidnapping, but eyewitness accounts indicate a targeted assassination. According to local sources, assailants on motorbikes ambushed the priest’s vehicle near an ongoing hospital construction site.

“They shot at his tyres to immobilise the car, then approached and shot him multiple times at close range. This was no kidnapping attempt—it looked like a deliberate hit,” a community source told journalists.

Fr. Eya, originally from Ugbaike in Enugu Ezike, Igbo-Eze North LGA, was reportedly driving alone at the time. Social media claims of abducted passengers remain unverified.

The Catholic Diocese of Nsukka confirmed the killing in a sorrowful statement signed by Chancellor Rev. Fr. Cajetan Iyidobi:

“Shocked to the marrow, it is with crushing pain and sorrow yet with total submission to the will of Almighty God and firm hope in the resurrection of the dead—that I inform you of the tragic death of our brother, Rev. Fr. Matthew Eya.

He was shot dead yesterday along the Eha-Alumona–Eha-Ndiagu Road.”

Fr. Iyidobi described the moment as one of “devastating anguish” and urged the faithful to remain prayerful.

The Enugu State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement, but investigations are expected to commence immediately.

Also read: Sisters Arrested for Kidnapping Brother in Shocking Enugu Case

The killing has heightened tension across Nsukka and surrounding communities, with residents and religious groups demanding urgent government action to safeguard clergy and citizens from rising insecurity in the region.

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crime

Nasarawa Police Launch Forest Offensive Against Bandits

Published

24 minutes ago

October 21, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Nasarawa police operation targets kidnappers, bandits and armed robbers in forest hideouts, with tactical teams deployed across three sectors.

The Nasarawa State Police Command has launched a special security operation targeting bandits, kidnappers, armed robbers and other criminal groups operating in forests across the state.

Also read: Laide Bakare Rejects Eniola Badmus’ ‘Fake’ Apology

The Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Mohammed, flagged off the exercise in Lafia on Wednesday, October 21, before leading officers towards Alagye Forest in Doma Local Government Area.

Mohammed said the operation followed a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, aimed at strengthening security and restoring lasting peace across Nasarawa State.

He disclosed that tactical squads, anti-kidnapping units and intelligence operatives had been deployed to identified security flashpoints and forest corridors considered vulnerable to criminal activity.

According to the police commissioner, the operation is expected to continue until the end of December, with officers instructed to carry out their duties professionally and comply strictly with the rules of engagement.

To improve coordination and coverage, the command has divided the state into three operational sectors.

Sector A, covering the Lafia zone, is headed by ACP Lamidu Alkali, Squadron Commander of MOPOL 58 in Lafia. Sector B, covering the Akwanga zone, is led by ACP Kadir Umar, Squadron Commander of MOPOL 38 in Akwanga.

Sector C, which covers the Keffi zone, is under ACP Olobekga Saligo, Squadron Commander of MOPOL 69 in Toto.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Sanusi Jidda, will coordinate activities across the three sectors to support the dismantling of criminal camps and improve the effectiveness of the operation.

Mohammed urged residents to assist the security agencies by providing timely and credible information about suspicious movements and activities in their communities.

He assured the public that information supplied to the police would be treated confidentially and encouraged residents to remain law-abiding while continuing their legitimate activities.

The commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property as the operation gets underway.

Also read: Laide Bakare Rejects Eniola Badmus’ ‘Fake’ Apology

The success of the Nasarawa police operation will depend on effective intelligence gathering, coordination among security teams and cooperation from local communities. The command has yet to disclose details of arrests, weapons recovered or other operational results.