Enugu Govt Condemns Killing Of Catholic Priest, Places ₦10m Bounty On Suspects

Enugu State Government has condemned the killing of Rev. Fr. Mathew Eya of the Nsukka Catholic Diocese, who was shot dead by gunmen on Friday along the Alumona–Eha Ndiagu road in Nsukka Local Government Area.

The attack, which has thrown the Catholic community and residents into mourning, was described by the state government as “cowardly” and “cold-blooded.”

In a statement on Saturday, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dr. Malachy Agbo, expressed the government’s sadness over the priest’s death and extended condolences to his family, the Diocese of Nsukka, and Catholics across the state.

“The Enugu State Government strongly condemns this dastardly act and commiserates with the immediate family of the late priest, the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka, and indeed the Catholic faithful in general over this tragic incident,” Agbo said.

Dr. Agbo described Fr. Eya as a man of peace and service, adding that the government remains committed to protecting lives and property, vowing that the perpetrators would be tracked down and punished.

He said, “The security of lives and property remains the priority of this administration, and we vow to bring the perpetrators to justice.

”We will not spare any resources within our reach, including technology and credible intelligence, to track down the criminals and defeat the remnant agents of evil in the state.”

To speed up investigations, the government announced a ₦10 million reward for anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest of those responsible.

“Anybody with credible information about the perpetrators should quickly contact 07077451426,” the Commissioner appealed.

The commissioner also appealed to citizens to stay calm but remain alert, stressing that cooperation between communities and security agencies is vital in the fight against crime.

Fr. Eya’s murder has sparked widespread outrage and sorrow, with many parishioners calling it an assault not just on a priest but on the values of peace and faith he stood for.

Security agencies have since stepped up surveillance in Nsukka and surrounding areas, with investigations already underway.

The government warned that the killers “will have no hiding place in Enugu State” as the fight against criminal elements continues.

KanyiDaily also reported how the police arrested an 18-year-old boy, Obodoagu Wisdom, for allegedly kidnapping and killing his five-year-old second cousin in Enugu.