By Olatunbosun Obafemi
The Enugu State Police Command has launched a manhunt for the gunmen who killed Rev. Fr. Matthew Eya, parish priest of St. Charles Catholic Church, Eha-Ndiagu, in Nsukka Local Government Area.
Eya was shot dead on Friday evening while returning to his parish along the Eha-Ndiagu Road. Witnesses said the assailants, riding on a motorcycle, intercepted his vehicle and opened fire, killing him instantly.
Following the attack, the Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, ordered the Udenu Area Commander and tactical units to track down the fleeing assailants. Police spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said 38 suspects were arrested during bush combing operations and raids of black spots in the area. “Incriminating exhibits were recovered, while the suspects are currently undergoing screening,” Ndukwe said in a statement on Sunday.
The commissioner extended condolences to the victim’s family and the Catholic Church, vowing that the police would leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
The Catholic Diocese of Nsukka confirmed the killing in a statement signed by its chancellor, Fr. Cajetan Iyidobi. “Shocked to the marrow, it is with crushing pain and sorrow that I inform you of the tragic death of yet another brother of ours, Rev. Fr. Matthew Eya,” the statement read. The diocese urged the faithful to remain prayerful, describing the priest’s death as devastating anguish for the Church community.
The killing of Fr. Eya adds to a worrying trend of violent attacks targeting Catholic priests across Nigeria. In May, gunmen shot Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongo along the Makurdi-Naka road in Benue State. Earlier in March, another priest, Rev. Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu, was killed after being kidnapped by bandits in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
