Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have shot a Catholic priest attached to St Kelvin’s Parish, Ogbaku, in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.
The incident occurred on Christmas Day at about 8:00 a.m., according to a source familiar with the matter. The priest, who serves as the assistant parish priest of the church, was about to enter the parish gate when the attackers opened fire from a distance.
Priest Rushed to Hospital
The source said one of the bullets struck the priest on his right arm. Immediately after the shooting, concerned residents rushed him to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
“It happened this morning,” the source said. “He was trying to enter the gate when a bullet hit him from nowhere. Nobody saw the shooters. Thank God he did not die. He is now in the hospital.”
According to the source, the priest is responding to treatment.
Archbishop Confirms Incident
Meanwhile, the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri, His Grace Lucius Ugorji, confirmed the shooting. However, he said security agencies were yet to establish the identity of the attackers.
He added that investigations had begun to determine whether the incident was a targeted attack or an attempted kidnapping.
Security Concerns in Imo
The shooting has heightened concerns over insecurity in parts of Imo State, especially during the festive period. Residents expressed fear following the attack, which occurred on a major Christian holiday.
Security agencies have not issued an official statement on the incident as of press time. However, residents are calling for increased security presence around religious centres and communities.
