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Gunmen have shot an assistant parish priest of Saint Kelvin Catholic Church in Ogbaku, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.
In a report from Punch News, the priest, whose identity has not been officially confirmed, was reportedly shot on Christmas Day while approaching the church gate for morning Mass.
A source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said he was hit in the right hand, and the assailant was not seen at the scene.
According to the source, the gunmen fired from a concealed, distant location, making it difficult for bystanders to identify the shooter.
The priest was rushed to an undisclosed hospital, where he is receiving treatment, and prayers for his recovery continue.
Credit: Businessday.ng
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Imo State Command, DSP Henry Okoye, said the matter had not yet 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.”
Meanwhile, the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, confirmed the shooting but said the perpetrators remain unidentified.
The police have stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances of the incident.
