…Kidnapped Retd. Archbishop Okpala’s whereabouts remain unknown
Reverend Father Tobias Chukwujekwu Okonkwo of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi has been murdered.
Regarded as a dedicated priest, Father Okonkwo, a trained pharmacist, was allegedly shot dead by unidentified assailants in Ihiala, Anambra State, on December 26, 2024.
This incident occurred just two weeks after the abduction of retired Anglican Archbishop, Most Reverend Godwin Okpala, whose whereabouts remain unknown.
According to the Chancellor of the Nnewi Diocese, Reverend Father Raphael Ezeogu, in Media statement issued on Friday, Father Okonkwo was killed between 7 pm and 8 pm along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway. The diocese mourns the loss of Father Okonkwo, who was a devoted servant of God.
Born on August 11, 1984, Father Okonkwo was ordained as a priest on July 11, 2015. At the time of his death, he served as the Manager of the Schools of Nursing, Midwifery, and Medical Laboratory at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Ihiala.
The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi has called on the faithful to offer prayers and Holy Masses for the eternal rest of Father Okonkwo and to console his bereaved family.
The statement reads: “Where sorrow increases, divine consolation increases all the more.
“The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi announces, with sorrow, but with stronger faith, that our dear Rev. Fr. Tobias Chukwujekwu Okonkwo died yesterday, 26th December 2024. He was shot dead by unidentified assailants, at Ihiala, along Onitsha-Owerri Expressway around 7pm and 8pm.
“Till yesterday, Fr. Tobias, a pharmacist, and native of Ekwulumili in Nnewi South Local Government Area, was Manager of the respective Schools of Nursing, Midwifery, and Medical Laboratory at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Ihiala.
“We solicit your prayers and Holy Masses for his eternal joy. May Fr. Tobias rejoice in Paradise for ever Amen. May God console the bereaved.
“Funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.”
