The Catholic Diocese of Nsukka has confirmed the killing of Rev. Fr. Matthew Eya, parish priest of St. Charles Catholic Church, Eha-Ndiagu, Enugu State.
The incident occurred on Friday evening, September 19, 2025, along the Eha-Alumona–Eha-Ndiagu Road. Fr. Eya was returning from Enugu when armed men riding on motorbikes intercepted his vehicle.
Witnesses said the attackers shot at his tyres to force the car to stop, then opened fire at close range.
The priest, a native of Ugbaike, Enugu Ezike, in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, was struck by multiple bullets and died instantly. Nothing was taken from the scene, fueling speculation that the attackers intended either to kidnap him or to carry out a targeted killing.
In a statement on Saturday, Rev. Fr. Cajetan Iyidobi, Chancellor of Nsukka Diocese, described the killing as “devastating anguish” for both the Church and the wider community. He urged Catholics to remain prayerful and hopeful despite the tragedy.
The Enugu State Police Command has not issued an official statement, but security operatives have begun preliminary investigations.
The murder of Fr. Eya adds to a growing list of violent attacks on Catholic priests in Nigeria. Many clergy serve in rural areas, travel without security escorts, and live directly among their parishioners, making them vulnerable to kidnappers and assassins.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria has repeatedly raised alarm about this threat.
At their 2023 plenary, the bishops warned that kidnappings for ransom are rampant, with priests targeted as “soft victims.” Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja condemned the killings, insisting the trend must end.
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Bishop Matthew Ndagoso of Kaduna has said insecurity has left both clergy and laypeople traumatized. “Everybody is on edge. If you leave your house, even in daylight, you are not safe until you return,” he warned.
Fr. Michael Umoh, Communications Director at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, lamented that criminals increasingly view priests as ransom sources. He urged urgent government intervention before the Church is further weakened.
In a more forceful rebuke, Bishop Gabriel Dunia of Auchi Diocese criticized what he described as government’s misplaced priorities.
He pointed out that federal authorities have shown capacity for forceful intervention elsewhere but have failed to confront armed groups terrorizing communities.
“This is shameful,” he declared, insisting kidnappings and killings can be stopped if political will exists.
Security analysts caution that criminal gangs now appear to hold the upper hand, wielding weapons unchecked while citizens remain defenseless. They warn that unless government reasserts control, Nigeria risks descending into widespread lawlessness.
For many Catholics, Fr. Eya’s death has reopened painful wounds and reinforced the climate of fear. His murder is now a symbol of the Nigerian state’s failure to provide the most basic protection: the right to life.
His blood, spilled on the road of service, is a reminder that government can no longer delay decisive action.
Crediblenewsng.com
