Catholic priest killed in ‘senseless act of violence’ in Nigeria

Father Matthew Eya, a parish priest in the Diocese of Nsukka in Nigeria, was shot and killed on the evening of Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, while returning to his parish after a pastoral assignment. / Credit: Diocese of Nsukka

ACI Africa, Sep 23, 2025 / 14:12 pm (CNA).

The Diocese of Nsukka in Nigeria has denounced the murder of Father Matthew Eya, calling it a “senseless act of violence” and a “heinous crime.”

A statement shared with ACI Africa, CNA’s news partner in Africa, on Sept. 22 by Father Emmanuel Asadu, director of communications for the Nsukka Diocese, said the late parish priest of St. Charles Eha Ndiagu Parish was “tragically shot on the evening of Friday, Sept. 19, while returning to his parish after a pastoral assignment.”

“This senseless act of violence has left the entire diocese in deep sorrow,” Asadu said in the statement. “Father Matthew was a dedicated shepherd, known for his humility and unwavering commitment to his flock.

He added: “At this time, no concrete information has been received regarding the perpetrators or motives behind this heinous crime.”

The official further said that members of the diocese “strongly condemn this brutality and call on the government at all levels and security agencies to intensify investigations to ensure that the culprits are identified and brought to justice,” and he appealed for “calm and vigilance, trusting in God’s mercy to guide us through this darkness.”

“Our diocese remains committed to collaborating with stakeholders to advocate for peace and justice,” Asadu said. “We implore God to grant his soul eternal rest and console our diocese, his family, parishioners, and all who grieve this irreplaceable loss.”

He urged “all people of goodwill to join us in prayers for the peaceful repose of Father Matthew and for peace and security of life and property in our nation.”

Nigeria has been experiencing insecurity since 2009, when the Boko Haram insurgency began with the aim of turning the country into an Islamic state.

Since then, the group, one of the largest Islamist groups in Africa, has been orchestrating indiscriminate terrorist attacks on various targets, including religious and political groups as well as civilians.

The insecurity situation in the country has further been complicated by the involvement of the predominantly Muslim Fulani herdsmen, also referred to as the Fulani Militia.

This story was first published by ACI Africa, CNA’s news partner in Africa, and has been adapted by CNA.