Catholic Priest Shot by Unidentified Gunmen on Christmas Morning in Imo State

An assistant parish priest from St. Kelvin Catholic Church in Ogbaku, Mbaitoli Local Government Area, Imo State was shot by unknown assailants on Christmas Day.

The incident occurred at about 8:00 a.m. when the cleric was approaching the church gate for morning Mass. He was struck in the right arm by a bullet fired from a distance, although no one at the scene saw the gunmen.

After being wounded, the priest was rushed to a nearby hospital where he is receiving treatment and is reported to be responding positively.

The Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, confirmed the shooting but said investigators have yet to identify the perpetrators or establish a clear motive.

The Imo State Police Command has acknowledged the incident and said it is probing the matter, urging the church to formally report the case to aid in the investigation.

Parishioners and community members are offering prayers and well‑wishes for the priest’s swift recovery.