A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Matthew Eya, has been shot and killed by gunmen along the Eha-Alumona – Eha-Ndiagu road in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The priest, who served as the parish priest of St. Charles Catholic Church, Eha-Ndiagu, was reportedly travelling from Enugu when his vehicle was intercepted by assailants riding motorcycles.

The hoodlums reportedly shot at the vehicle’s tires, forcing it to stop, before firing multiple shots at close range.

The incident, our correspondent gathered, happened on Friday, although the details remained sketchy, as nobody could give further explanation on how the incident happened.

According to sources, the attack appears to be an assassination rather than a kidnapping, as the priest was alone in the vehicle and no abduction took place.

Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka, Fr. Cajetan Iyidobi, who confirmed the incident on Saturday, called on the Catholic faithful to remain ardent in prayer during this period of anguish.

In a short statement titled, ‘A Catholic priest offed yesterday by men of the underworld’, Iyidobi expressed shock and sorrow over the tragic death, while affirming hope in the resurrection of the dead.

“Shocked to the marrow, it is with crushing pain and sorrow, yet a total submission to the will of the Almighty God and a firm hope in the resurrection of the dead, that I inform you of the tragic death of yet another brother of ours, Rev. Fr. Matthew Eya.

“He was shot dead yesterday (Friday), September 19, 2025 along Eha-Alumona – Eha-Ndiagu road.

 “Let us remain ardent in prayer that God sees us through this period of devastating anguish. May his soul rest in peace, Amen,” he said.

This incident highlights the ongoing insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in the southeastern region.

Unfortunately, attacks on Catholic priests and seminarians have become increasingly common in Nigeria. According to recent reports, at least 204 Catholic priests and seminarians have been abducted in Nigeria in the last 10 years, with 15 of them killed while in captivity.

Efforts to speak with the Enugu State Police Command were unsuccessful as the Command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, did not take his calls or respond to a text message seeking his reaction.