Unknown gunmen shoot Catholic priest in Imo State on Christmas eve
A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Raymond Njoku, was shot and seriously injured by gunmen on Christmas Eve in Ogbaku, Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State. The assailants, reportedly operating in a Lexus RX 350 SUV, are suspected to be kidnappers.
Fr. Njoku, an Assistant Parish Priest of St. Kevin’s Catholic Church, Igbaku, was returning home around 8:00 pm when the attack occurred, unaware of an earlier failed kidnapping attempt by the same gang.
A source explained: “This year’s Christmas Eve almost turned sour as a gang of criminals stormed Ogbaku community. They were operating in a Lexus RX 350 and had attempted to kidnap someone earlier, but the victim escaped. Soon after, Fr. Njoku, on his way home, drove past the scene. The hoodlums pursued him. At the church gate, they sounded their horn; Fr. Njoku, thinking it was his Parish Priest, tried to make way, which turned out to be his undoing. The gunmen alighted and started shooting at him. His vehicle was riddled with bullets, but by God’s grace, none hit any vital organ. His right hand was injured. He feigned death, and the gunmen fled.”
The source added that sympathizers quickly rushed Fr. Njoku to a nearby private hospital, where he received urgent medical attention.
The attack has heightened concerns over security in Imo State, especially amid the festive season, as residents continue to grapple with the rising threat of armed robbery and kidnapping. Vanguard
