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 on Christmas Day.
The incident occurred at about 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday as the cleric, identified as the assistant parish priest of the church, was about to enter the parish premises.
An insider, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, said the attackers shot the priest from a distance before fleeing the area.
According to the source, one of the bullets struck the priest on his right arm, leaving him injured. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment and responding positively.
“It happened this morning. He was trying to enter the gate when a bullet suddenly hit him. Nobody saw the attackers; it felt like the shot came from nowhere. We thank God he is alive and receiving treatment,” the source said.
Confirming the incident, the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri, His Grace, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, said the priest was attacked by yet-to-be-identified gunmen, adding that investigations were ongoing to determine the identity and motive of the assailants.
The attack has heightened concerns over security in Imo State, particularly as it occurred on Christmas Day, a period traditionally marked by religious gatherings and celebrations.
Security agencies are yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.