A tragic incident has shaken Anambra State as unknown gunmen assassinated Rev. Fr. Tobias Chukwujekwu Okonkwo, a Catholic priest and pharmacist.
The killing occurred on Thursday, December 26, 2024, along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway in Ihiala, between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Rev. Fr. Okonkwo, a native of Ekwulumili in Nnewi South Local Government Area, was the Manager of the Schools of Nursing, Midwifery, and Medical Laboratory at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Ihiala.
His death has left the Catholic community in Nnewi Diocese and the hospital staff in deep mourning.
The Chancellor of the Nnewi Catholic Diocese, Rev. Fr. Raphael Ezeogu, confirmed the sad development, highlighting Rev. Fr. Okonkwo’s significant contributions to the diocese and the healthcare sector in Anambra.
In a notice to students and staff, the management of Our Lady of Lourdes College of Nursing expressed profound sadness over the loss of their beloved Manager.
They described the incident as a senseless tragedy and assured the community of updates regarding funeral arrangements.
The statement also called for calm and unity during this difficult period, urging prayers for the deceased and his grieving family.
This shocking act of violence has left the community in mourning as residents await further information from authorities investigating the incident.
