Enugu Govt, Nsukka Catholic Diocese Condemn Murder of Fr. Mathew Eya, Announce ₦10m Bounty
Enugu – Nigeria, September 20, 2025 – The Enugu State Government and the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka have condemned in strong terms the gruesome murder of Rev. Fr. Mathew Eya, who was shot dead by armed assailants on Friday, September 19, 2025, along the Alumona–Eha Ndiagu road in Nsukka Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dr. Malachy Agbo, the government described the killing as “cowardly and cold-blooded,” assuring that no effort will be spared in fishing out the perpetrators.
“The security of lives and property remains our priority. We shall deploy all resources within our reach, including technology and credible intelligence, to track down the criminals and defeat the remnant agents of evil in our state,” the statement read.
The state government also announced a ₦10 million reward for anyone with credible information leading to the arrest of the killers, urging members of the public with useful leads to call 07077451426.
Diocese Mourns: “Shocked to the Marrow”
Confirming the incident, the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka expressed deep sorrow at the tragic death of Fr. Eya. In a statement issued by the Chancellor, Fr. Cajetan Iyidobi, the Diocese said:
“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 Diocese called on the faithful to pray for the repose of the priest’s soul and for divine consolation upon his family, parishioners, and the larger Catholic community.
How the Attack Happened
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen, riding on a motorcycle, ambushed Fr. Eya’s vehicle near the site of an ongoing hospital project, shooting at the tyres to force it to a halt before firing directly at him. Photos and videos from the scene showed the priest’s car riddled with bullets, with parishioners and residents gathered in mourning.
Fr. Eya, who until his death was pastor of St. Charles Catholic Church, Eha Ndiagu, is remembered by parishioners as a humble, dedicated servant of God.
Shockwaves Across Enugu
The killing has thrown Nsukka and the wider Catholic community into mourning, coming at a time when concerns over insecurity in parts of Enugu State remain high.
While the police are yet to issue a formal statement on the incident, both the State Government and the Diocese have urged calm, prayers, and cooperation with security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice. GMTNewsng
