UNIDENTIFIED GUNMEN INJURE IM0 CATHOLIC PRIEST IN MBAITOLI LGA

By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
26- DEC- 2025

Tension gripped parts of Imo State on Christmas Day following a reported attack on a Catholic priest serving at St. Kelvin’s Parish, Ogbaku, in Mbaitoli Local Government Area. The cleric, identified as the assistant parish priest of the church, was shot by unidentified assailants believed to be kidnappers during the early hours of the morning.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that the incident occurred at about 8:00 a.m. as the priest attempted to gain access into the church premises. According to a source familiar with the development, the attackers were not physically sighted at the scene, as shots were allegedly fired from a distance while the priest was close to opening the church gate.

One of the bullets reportedly struck the priest on the right arm, causing injury. He was immediately assisted and rushed to a nearby medical facility, where he is currently receiving treatment and responding positively, according to sources.

The sudden nature of the attack has raised concerns among parishioners and residents of the area, especially as the assailants reportedly escaped unnoticed. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, with early accounts suggesting the possibility of an ambush or a stray shot.

Confirming the incident, the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri, His Grace, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, stated that the priest was indeed attacked but noted that the identity and motive of the gunmen are yet to be established. He added that security agencies have been duly informed and investigations are ongoing to unravel the details behind the incident.