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Tears, prayers as Anambra Catholic priest killed by gunmen is laid to rest
Tears, prayers rent the air on Thursday as the remains of Rev. Fr. Tobias Okonkwo, priest of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi, Anambra State, who was abducted and brutally murdered by gunmen in Ihiala area of the state on December 26, 2024 was buried by priests, family members and well-wishers.
The slain Fr. Okonkwo was buried shortly after a requiem Mass at Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral, Nnewi.
The Holy Mass, attended by hundreds of priests and Rev. Sisters from different religious congregations, family members, friends and well-wishers, was presided over by the Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Aguleri, His Lordship, Most Rev. Denis Isizoh, and concelebrated by the Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Most Rev. Jonas-Benson Okoye, and the Auxiliary Bishop of Portharcourt Diocese, Most Rev. Patrick Eluke.
In his homily, the Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi, Monsignor Anichebe Patrick Ezeobata, noted that Fr. Tobias Okonkwo, who he said, died at the prime of his youth, had already carved out an impressive niche for himself, and had led an impactful pastoral life before his death.
Msgnr Ezeobata, who described man as a pilgrim on earth, further explained that Fr. Okonkwo, who was ordained in July, 2015, finished his internship as pharmacist in October, 2024, and was posted to the School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Medical Laboratory Sciences, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala, as manager. He added that the deceased was barely two months in office before he met his death.
Among the political class, who attended the funeral were the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Mr. Peter Obi; as well as the former Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget in Anambra State, Prof. Stella Chinyere Okunna; among others.
The chairman of Agatu Local Government Area in Benue State, James Melvin Ejeh, has given Fulani herdsmen a 48-hour notice to leave all agricultural lands.
This announcement was made during a stakeholders’ meeting on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the council secretariat in Obagaji.
The meeting included traditional leaders, representatives from the Fulani community, youth leaders, and security personnel to discuss the increasing concerns regarding herders’ activities on farmland as the planting season nears.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Agatu LGA Chairman, Obochi Solomon, reported that Ejeh highlighted the importance of safeguarding agricultural activities in Agatu in light of the upcoming planting season.
He remarked that agriculture is essential to the local economy and that farmers should have unhindered access to their lands.
Ejeh also acknowledged the current peace in the region but reiterated that maintaining uninterrupted farming activities is of utmost importance.
“Our farmers must cultivate without disruption. We will do everything necessary to create a safe environment for them,” he said.
The statement further disclosed that during the meeting, the Ado of the Fulani requested a one-week extension to allow the herders to prepare for their relocation, a request that the council approved.
The CPS noted that the General Youth Chairman of Agatu LGA, Oloche Silas, committed on behalf of the Agatu youth to support the peaceful evacuation process and to avoid any acts of violence.
Security personnel, including members of the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), were reported to have praised the peaceful resolution of the issue and promised to offer necessary assistance during the relocation.
Additionally, representing the Och’Agatu, Chief John Agidani, spoke at the meeting, commending the leadership of the Council Chairman and urging all parties to adhere to the agreement.
Five alleged kidnappers have reportedly died after a fierce gun battle with operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team.
The suspects were confirmed dead in a hospital they were rushed to for medical attention.
Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe who confirmed the development in a statement, stated that the incident occurred on 21st April 2025.
The police image maker disclosed that operatives of the CP-Special Assignment team, acting on intelligence relating to kidnapping in Ubuluku, Isseluku, Issele-Asagba, and environs by one Bello Abubakar and his gang members, stormed one of their hideouts in Agu-Amawbia forest, Anambra State.
SP Edafe pointed out that during the raid of the suspects hideout in the forest, the operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle and one hundred and thirty-two rounds of live ammunition.
He further said the investigation was extended to another of their hideouts in a forest between Issele-Asagba and Utulu, where the said Bello Abubakar and his gang members were waiting in ambush.
According to the police image maker, the suspected kidnappers attacked the policemen in a fierce gun battle, but the team, who were aware of the battle ahead, reciprocated in like manner.
SP Edafe added that the manhunt for other injured fleeing suspects is ongoing.
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