A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Raymond Njoku, was shot and injured by gunmen on Christmas Day in Ogbaku, Imo State. The attack occurred around 8am while Fr. Njoku was approaching the church gate for morning Mass at St. Kevin's Catholic Church. The gunmen, suspected to be kidnappers, fired from a distance, hitting Fr. Njoku's right hand. He was rushed to a nearby hospital and is receiving medical attention ¹ ² ³.

The Catholic Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, confirmed the incident, stating that Fr. Njoku is recovering well. The Imo State Police Command is investigating, but the church has not officially reported the matter ² ⁴.

This incident highlights concerns about security in Imo State, particularly during the festive season, as residents grapple with armed robbery and kidnapping threats ¹.