Former governor of Anambra state Peter Obi has described as ”tragic and unfortunate” the murder of Rev. Fr. Tobias Okonkwo.
Chronicle NG reports that Okonkwo, a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi, was shot dead on Thursday by the gunmen along the Onitsha-Owerri Motorway.
This was disclosed in a letter dated December 27, 2024, by the Diocesan Secretariat in Nnewi and signed by the Chancellor, Nnewi Diocese, Rev. Fr. Raphael Ezeogu.
Reacting to the murder of the clergy, Obi, in a statement on X on Friday, mentioned that the incessant killing of innocent Nigerians by criminal elements needs to be brought to a stop.
Describing Nigeria as a ”bleeding nation,” Obi urged the appropriate authorities to deal precisely with the widespread insecurity in the country.
Obi’s statement reads, ”Today, I woke up to the heartbreaking news of the tragic and unfortunate death of Rev. Fr. Tobias Okonkwo, the manager of the College of Nursing Sciences, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala.
”Fr. Tobias was shot dead by yet-to-be-identified criminals last night in Ihiala, Anambra.
”The constant killing of our very productive men and women by some bloodmongers is beyond heartbreaking.
”In many parts of the nation, the blood of our brothers and sisters whose lives were cut short by insecurity continues to cry.
”How many more lives will be wasted before we rise to action and put an end to this menace contending with our future as a nation?
”As one who has continuously visited and partnered with the College of Nursing Sciences, Ihiala, I understand how devastating this incident is to the College community.
”I extend my sincere condolences to his immediate family, the proprietor, the entire management, staff, and students of the College of Nursing Sciences, Ihiala.
”May God grant him eternal rest and grant us all the fortitude to bear his sad, irreplaceable loss.
”May God heal our bleeding nation.”
