Islamists shoot dead Catholic priest in Nigeria

Father Matthew Eya, parish priest of St. Charles Parish in Eha-Ndiagu. Photo: tribune chretienne

On September 19, 2025, Father Matthew Eya, parish priest of St. Charles Parish in Eha-Ndiagu, was shot dead on Friday, September 19, during an ambush on the road between Eha-Alumona and Eha-Ndiagu, in the Nsukka local government area of ​​Enugu State, reports Tribune Central.

According to preliminary data, the assassination is linked to the Islamist Boko Haram insurgency, which has been terrorizing Christian communities in the country for many years. According to witnesses, gunmen on motorcycles fired at the priest's car and then shot him several times at close range. The priest was returning alone from Enugu and was not kidnapped, suggesting a targeted assassination.

The Chancellor of the Nsukka Diocese, Bishop Cajetan Iyidobi, speaking about the tragedy, noted that the faithful are experiencing "deep sorrow and pain" and called for prayers for the repose of the priest's soul.

The authorities of Enugu State reported the arrest of 38 suspects and announced a reward of 10 million naira (about 5700 euros) for information leading to the killers.

It should be noted that according to theNGO Intersociety, since the start of the Boko Haram insurgency in 2009, more than than 19,000 churches and 4,000 Christian schools have been destroyed, attacked, or forcibly closed. Approximately 40 million Christians have been threatened, displaced, or forced into exile to flee the violence.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that in Nigeria, Islamists killed nine Christians and injured eight more.

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