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 Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dr Malachy Agbo, described the attack as both “cowardly” and “cold-blooded,” stressing that it had sent shockwaves through the Catholic community and beyond.
Agbo said, “The Enugu State Government strongly condemns this dastardly act and commiserates with the immediate family of the late priest, the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka, and indeed the Catholic faithful in general over this tragic incident.”
He described the late priest as a symbol of peace and service, assuring citizens that the government would not relent in its duty to protect lives and property.
“The security of lives and property remains this administration’s priority, and we vow to bring the perpetrators to justice. We will not spare any resources within our reach, including technology and credible intelligence, to track down the criminals and defeat the remnant agents of evil in the state,” he stressed.
As part of immediate measures to speed up the investigation, the government announced a ₦10 million bounty for any person who provides credible information leading to the arrest of those responsible.
“Anybody with credible information about the perpetrators should quickly contact 07077451426,” the Commissioner appealed.
The government urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, noting that collaboration between citizens and security agencies is vital to defeating crime.
The killing of Fr. Eya has sparked widespread outrage and mourning across Enugu State and within the Catholic Church, with parishioners describing the murder as an attack not only on one man but also on the values of peace and faith he embodied.
Meanwhile, security agencies have intensified surveillance across Nsukka and surrounding communities, with investigations already underway to track down the assailants.
The government reaffirmed its determination to sustain the fight against criminality, warning that those behind the murder “will have no hiding place in Enugu State.”