Tragedy struck in Enugu State as Rev. Fr. Mathew Eya, parish priest of St. Charles Catholic Church in Eha-Ndiagu community, Nsukka Local Government Area, was shot dead by unknown gunmen on Friday evening.
Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants, riding on a motorcycle, intercepted Fr. Eya’s vehicle near an ongoing Type C hospital project, shooting at the tyres to force the car to stop before opening fire on him at close range.
While some speculated the attack could be linked to a kidnapping attempt, sources indicated the incident appeared more like a targeted assassination, as the priest was alone in the vehicle and no abduction occurred.
Fr. Mathew Eya hailed from Ugbaike in Enugu Ezike, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area.
The Enugu State government has condemned the killing and pledged a reward of ₦10 million for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators.
The police and the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka have yet to issue official statements regarding the incident.
This tragic event has sparked fear and mourning in the community, with calls for urgent action to curb rising violence in the state.