By Palang Paul
Gunmen have reportedly assassinated a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Matthew Eya, parish priest of St. Charles Catholic Church, Eha-Ndiagu, in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State Nigeria.
The incident occurred on Friday evening 19th September 2025 along the Eha-Ndiagu Road while the cleric was returning to his parish. Eyewitnesses said the assailants, who were on a motorcycle, intercepted his vehicle and opened fire, killing him on the spot.
Confirming the killing in a statement on Saturday 20th September 2025, the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka expressed deep sorrow and shock.
“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,” the statement signed by Chancellor Fr. Cajetan Iyidobi read.
“He was shot dead yesterday, 19 September 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.”
The killing has triggered grief among parishioners and renewed concerns about the safety of clergy in Nigeria, where priests have frequently been targeted by armed groups in recent years.
As of press time, the Enugu State Police Command had yet to release an official statement on the incident. Efforts to reach police authorities for comment were unsuccessful.
The killing adds to the wave of insecurity that has continued to affect several parts of the country, with religious leaders and rural communities often bearing the brunt of violent attacks.
Catholic faithful and residents of Enugu have expressed grief over the death, calling on security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent further attacks on clergy and worshippers.
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