Suspected gunmen on the run from an undisclosed incident on Christmas Day have shot an assistant parish priest of Saint Kelvin Catholic Church, Ogbaku, in the Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.
The priest, whose identity had not been officially confirmed as of the time of filing this report, was reportedly attacked at about 8am while approaching the church premises for the Christmas morning Mass.
A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the cleric was hit in the right hand, adding that no gunman was sighted at the scene of the incident.
The source explained that the shot appeared to have been fired from a concealed and distant position, making it difficult for residents around the church to identify the shooter.
Following the attack, the injured priest was rushed to an undisclosed hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment, while prayers are ongoing for his recovery.
Narrating the incident, the source said: “The shooting happened on Christmas day when everyone was in a joyous mood.
“The priest was trying to enter the gate for the morning mass but we just heard a sound and the next thing, he was in pains that he had been shot.
“Probably it was a stray bullet from somewhere close by but the twist was that nobody saw who fired the shot. Meanwhile, the priest is receiving treatment for gunshot wounds in the hospital and prayers are going on for his survival.”
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Imo State Command, DSP Henry Okoye, said the case had not been formally reported to the police.
He said: “Yes, I’m aware of the incident though the church is yet to officially report the shooting. However, the Divisional Police Officer for Owerri West has visited the church to verify the claims. He has also requested to see the priest to aid the investigation.”
Also reacting, the Catholic Archbishop of the Owerri Archdiocese, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, confirmed the shooting but noted that the identity of those behind the attack remained unknown.
The Imo State Police Command said investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting.