December 26, 2025 | SUNTV Global Channel
In a shocking incident on Christmas morning, a Catholic priest serving at St. Kevin’s Parish in Ogbaku, Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, was shot by unidentified assailants, leaving the local community and church members in distress.
The victim, Rev. Fr. Raymond Njoku, the assistant parish priest, was reportedly shot around 8:00 a.m. while attempting to enter the parish premises. Eyewitnesses said the attackers were unseen, firing from a distance, and that it appeared almost like a stray bullet.
“It happened this morning. He was trying to enter the gate, but before he could do that, a bullet from nowhere hit him,” a local source told SUNTV journalists in Owerri.
Fr. Njoku sustained a gunshot wound to his right arm and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital. According to reports, he is responding positively to treatment.
Further details from the Archdiocese of Owerri revealed that the priest was shot while driving back to his residence, with his vehicle riddled with bullets. “By God’s grace, none hit any vital organ. His right hand was injured. He feigned death, and the gunmen fled,” an official of the Archdiocese said.
The Catholic Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, confirmed the attack, emphasizing that the identities of the attackers remain unknown.
The Imo State Police Command also confirmed awareness of the shooting. DSP Henry Okoye, the Police Public Relations Officer, stated that the church had yet to formally report the incident, but police officers have visited the parish to verify the claims and meet with the priest to aid investigations.
Authorities have assured the public that investigations are ongoing to apprehend the gunmen and determine the motive behind this brazen attack on Christmas Day.
