The Enugu State Government has condemned the killing of Rev. Fr. Mathew Eya of the Nsukka Catholic Diocese, who was murdered by gunmen on Friday along the Alumona–Eha Ndiagu road in Nsukka LGA.
In a statement on Saturday, Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dr. Malachy Agbo, described the attack as “cowardly” and “cold-blooded.” He said the government mourns with Fr. Eya’s family, the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka, and the wider Catholic community.
The priest, remembered as a man of peace and service, was hailed as a symbol of faith. Agbo stressed that the administration remains committed to securing lives and property, vowing to use every available resource, including technology and intelligence, to bring the killers to justice.
To fast-track the investigation, the government announced a ₦10 million bounty for credible information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators, urging residents to call 07077451426. Citizens were also asked to remain calm but vigilant, with authorities emphasising that community cooperation is critical to defeating crime.
Security agencies have intensified surveillance across Nsukka and nearby communities, with investigations underway. Outrage and grief have poured in from parishioners and Catholic faithful, who say Fr. Eya’s killing is not only an attack on one man but also on the values of peace and faith.
What you should know
Rev. Fr. Mathew Eya’s killing has shaken Enugu State and the Catholic community. The government’s swift response, including a ₦10 million bounty and heightened security operations, underscores the seriousness of the crime.
Fr. Eya is remembered as a symbol of peace, and his death has become a rallying point against insecurity in the region.
