The Church in Nigeria, ravaged by kidnappings of clergy, is mourning the death of a priest who was killed as he was returning to his parish in Eha-Ndiagu, in Enugu state. Source: OSV News.
In what looked like execution-style murder, the attackers, riding on a motorcycle, intercepted Fr Matthew Eya’s vehicle near the site of a hospital construction site, first shooting at the tyres to stop the car and then killing the priest at close range.
The local government of Enugu described the September 19 killing as “cowardly” and “cold-blooded”.
“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,” said communications officer Malachy Agbo in a September 20 statement.
The state police said it has arrested 38 suspects in connection with the killing.
Meanwhile, after several days in captivity, Fr Wilfred Ezeamba from Idah Diocese in Kogi state regained his freedom on September 16. The priest was kidnapped on September 12.
The diocese issued a statement expressing gratitude to God for the safe return of the priest.
“We thank God Almighty for his mercy and the security agencies for their efforts. We also appreciate the prayers and support of the faithful during this trying time,” the statement read.
Two other parishioners who were kidnapped alongside the priest were also released.
Fr Ezeamba is receiving medical attention and counselling to enable him to deal with the trauma. It’s not clear if any ransom was paid, but police said two suspects have been arrested in connection with the kidnapping.
The kidnappings and killings reflect the broader issue of Christian persecution in Nigeria.
Statistics from Nigeria’s bishops’ conference indicate that 145 priests have been kidnapped in Nigeria over the past 10 years. Some have been killed.
Intersociety director Emeka Umeagbalasi told OSV News however that the number may be much higher and that he is aware of 250 Catholic priests who had been kidnapped in Nigeria since 2015.
FULL STORY
Nigerian priest killed; killings, kidnappings prompt fear of genocide of Christians (By Ngala Killian Chimtom, OSV News)
