The Catholic Diocese of Nsukka has confirmed the killing of Rev. Fr. Matthew Eya, who was shot dead on Friday along the Eha-Alumonah–Eha-Ndiagu road in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The cleric was reportedly attacked while driving his cream-coloured Toyota Corolla, later discovered riddled with bullets and smeared with blood.
A viral video from the scene captured parishioners weeping around the vehicle in shock and grief.
In a statement, the Chancellor of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Cajetan Iyidobi, described the death as a devastating loss.
“Shocked to the marrow, it is with crushing pain and sorrow, yet with total submission to the will of the Almighty God and firm hope in the resurrection of the dead, that I inform you of the tragic death of our brother, Rev. Fr. Matthew Eya,” he wrote.
He urged the faithful to remain prayerful and to draw strength from God during the period of mourning.
As of press time, police authorities had not released an official statement on the incident.