Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Owerri, Imo State — A Catholic priest was shot by suspected gunmen on Christmas Day (25 December 2025) at St. Kelvin’s Parish in Ogbaku, Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, police and church officials confirmed. The priest, who serves as assistant parish priest, was struck by a bullet early in the morning as he approached the church gate to celebrate morning Mass, triggering alarm and concern among worshippers and local residents.
According to multiple sources on the ground, the incident occurred at about 8:00 a.m., when the cleric was reportedly preparing to enter the church premises. Witnesses said the gunmen fired from a concealed, distant location, and the priest was hit in the right arm. He was quickly rushed to a nearby hospital and is receiving treatment and reportedly responding to medical care.
The Catholic Archbishop of the Owerri Archdiocese, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, confirmed that the priest was shot but noted that the identity and motives of the attackers remain unclear. Security agencies have been informed, and investigations are underway, although no suspect has yet been formally identified or arrested.
The Imo State Police Command acknowledged awareness of the shooting but said the church had not officially reported the matter at the time. A visit by the Divisional Police Officer to the church was aimed at verifying reports and collecting information to support the probe.
Church leaders and parishioners expressed shock that such violence could occur on a day traditionally marked by celebration and peace. Many reports indicate that the gunfire appeared to come from a distance, and no witnesses directly saw the assailants, leading to speculation about whether the shooting was deliberate, an attempted kidnapping, or related to stray violence in the area.
The incident adds to a growing pattern of violence against clergy and religious figures in parts of Nigeria, where insecurity — including banditry, kidnappings and sporadic attacks — has affected worshippers and religious gatherings in recent years. Authorities have urged communities to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies as they work to uncover the circumstances behind the attack.
As of this report, hospital authorities have not publicly released details of the priest’s condition beyond confirming he is under care, and the Imo State Police continue to gather evidence as part of a broader inquiry into the Christmas‑day shooting.
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