Days after a serving priest of the Nsukka Catholic Diocese was murdered, the Church says it has not received any information yet on those behind the dastardly incident.
NewsBits had reported that the priest, Rev. Fr. Matthew Eya, was murdered in cold blood by yet to be identified assailants last weekend. The Enugu State Police Command later said at least 38 persons have been arrested as a manhunt for those behind the killing continues.
However, providing an update on Monday, the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka, where the deceased priest served, said no concrete information had been received regarding the perpetrators or motives behind the heinous crime.
This was contained in a statement posted on the Diocese’s official social media page, signed by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel I Asadu, Director of Communications. It was entitled: “The Tragic Murder Of Rev. Fr. Matthew Eya: A Call For Justice And Prayers.”
The statement reads: “The Catholic Diocese of Nsukka announces with profound pain the gruesome murder of our beloved priest, Rev. Fr. Matthew Eya, the Parish Priest of St. Charles Parish, Eha Ndiagu.
“Fr. Eya was tragically shot on the evening of Friday, 19 September 2025, while returning to his parish after a pastoral assignment.
“This senseless act of violence has left the entire Diocese in deep sorrow. Fr. Matthew was a dedicated shepherd, known for his humility and unwavering commitment to his flock. We implore God to grant his soul eternal rest and console our Diocese, his family, parishioners, and all who grieve this irreplaceable loss.
“At this time, no concrete information has been received regarding the perpetrators or motives behind this heinous crime. We strongly condemn this brutality and call on the government at all levels and security agencies to intensify investigations to ensure that the culprits are identified and brought to justice.
“We also urge all people of goodwill to join us in prayers for the peaceful repose of Fr. Matthew and for peace and security of life and property in our nation.
“Our Diocese remains committed to collaborating with stakeholders to advocate for peace and justice. We appeal for calm and vigilance, trusting in God’s mercy to guide us through this darkness.”
It could be recalled that Fr Eya, the parish priest of St Charles Catholic Church, Eha-Ndiagu, was murdered along the Alumonah-Eha Ndiagu road in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State. Meanwhile, the Enugu State Government had earlier placed a N10 million bounty on the perpetrators.
