Catholic Priest Shot By Unknown Gunmen In Imo State On Christmas Day

 

A Catholic priest serving at St. Kevin’s Parish in Ogbaku, Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, was shot by unknown assailants on Christmas Day, raising alarm within the church and local community.

The attack reportedly occurred around 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 25, 2025, as the priest, identified as Rev. Fr. Raymond Njoku, attempted to enter the parish premises.

Fr. Njoku, the assistant parish priest, was said to be opening the church gate when he was suddenly shot by attackers believed to be kidnappers.

Eyewitnesses noted that the assailants were not seen in the vicinity and appeared to have fired from a distance.

“It happened this morning. He was trying to enter the gate, but before he could do that, a bullet from nowhere hit him,” a source told local journalists in Owerri.

According to reports, one of the bullets struck the priest on his right arm, leaving him injured. However, he was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment and is said to be responding positively.

“Nobody saw the people that shot him; it was like a stray bullet. Thank God he did not die. He has been taken to the hospital,” one of the sources said.

Further details from the Archdiocese of Owerri indicated that Fr. Njoku was shot while driving back to his parish residence. His vehicle was reportedly riddled with bullets during the attack.

“His vehicle was riddled with bullets, but by God’s grace, none hit any vital organ,” an official of the Archdiocese said.

“His right hand was injured. He feigned death, and the gunmen fled.”

The Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, confirmed the incident but said the identities of those responsible were unknown.

Meanwhile, the Imo State Police Command has acknowledged awareness of the shooting. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, said the incident had not yet been formally reported to the police.

“Yes, I’m aware of the incident, though the church is yet to officially report the shooting. However, the Divisional Police Officer for Owerri West has visited the church to verify the claims. He has also requested to see the priest to aid the investigation,” Okoye said.

Police authorities say investigations are ongoing to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the attack and identify those responsible.