An assistant parish priest of Saint Kelvin Catholic Church, Ogbaku, in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, was shot by unknown gunmen on Christmas Day.
The incident occurred around 8am as the priest was approaching the church gate for the morning Mass. He was reportedly hit in the right hand by a bullet fired from an unseen location.
A source said the assailant appeared to have shot from a concealed distance, making it difficult for worshippers to identify who carried out the attack. The priest was immediately rushed to a hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.
Confirming the development, the Imo State Police Command said the incident had not yet been formally reported but noted that officers had visited the church to verify the situation and begin preliminary inquiries.
The Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, also confirmed the shooting, stating that the identity of those responsible remains unknown.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack.
