Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the murder of Rev. Fr. Tobias Chukwujekwu Okonkwo of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi by yet to be identified gunmen.
The Chancellor of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Raphael Ezeogu had announced the murder of the cleric was shot dead in the evening of 26/12/2024 along Onitsha- Owerri Road expressway, Ihiala.
A statement by the command’s spokesperson, SP Ikenga Tochukwu said “The Commissioner of Police CP Nnaghe Obono Itam commiserate with the Family, Friends and the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi” on the incident and assured that “the Command shall leave no stone unturned in unmasking the assailants.”
“To this end, the Command urges anyone with information that can aid the Investigation to please endeavour to reach out to the nearest police Station and be assured that any information in this regard shall to treated with the utmost confidentiality.”
Reacting to the sad development, former Anambra governor, Mr. Peter Obi said “constant killing of our very productive men and women by some bloodmongers is beyond heartbreaking.”
Obi commiserated with the Christain community, wondering when the country will rise to put a stop to the bloodletting.
He wrote:
“Today, I woke up to the heartbreaking news of the tragic and unfortunate death of Rev Fr. Tobias Okonkwo, the Manager of the College of Nursing Sciences, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala.
“Fr Tobias was shot dead by yet-be-identified criminals last night in Ihiala, Anambra.
“The constant killing of our very productive men and women by some bloodmongers is beyond heartbreaking.
“In many parts of the nation, the blood of our brothers and sisters whose lives were cut short by insecurity, continue to cry.
“How many more lives will be wasted before we rise to action and put an end to this menace contending with our future as a nation?
“As one who has continuously visited and partnered with the College of Nursing Sciences, Ihiala, I understand how devastating this incident is to the College community.
“I extend my sincere condolences to his immediate family, the proprietor, the entire management, staff, and students of the College of Nursing Sciences, Ihiala.
“May God grant him eternal rest and grant us all the fortitude to bear his sad irreplaceable loss.
“May God heal our bleeding nation. -PO”