By Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Awka
The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi and the Ekwulummili community in Nnewi South Local Government Area are in tears following the killing of Rev. Fr. Tobias Chukwujekwu Okonkwo, a Pharmacist, by unknown assailants.
The late Fr Okonkwo was a Pharmacist attached to Managing the School of Nursing and Midwifery as well as Medical Laboratory at Our Lourdes Ihiala.
He was shot by unknown assailants at Ihiala along Onitsha-Owerri expressway between 7.00pm and 8.00pm on 26th December, 2024.
In a statement by the Chancellor, Nnewi Diocese, Rev. Fr. Raphael Ezeogu, Fr. Okonkwo was born on August 11, 1984, became priest in July 11, 2015 and died on 26th December 2024, after an attack by unknown gunmen.
Some Catholic faithfuls in Nnewi and Ekwulumili were seen discussing the death in hushed tones while describing the late priest as peaceful, and a workaholic.
Tears were on faces of men as they were speechless on the benefits of the gunmen who shot a priest of God going about his business of healing the sick and feeding the have not.
An indigene of Ekwulumili who didn’t his name on print said the community is in pains as the young priest is enterprising and the community was hoping on him to assist push things in the right perspectives when it’s time.
The Catholic Bishop of Nnewi, Most Reverend Jonas Benson Okoye was devastated over the sadness of the death of his priest.
