The Catholic Diocese of Nsukka He has condemned the murder of Fr. Matthew Eya as an “act of meaningless violence” and an “atrocious crime.”
In a statement shared with Aci Africa – EWTN news assignment for the African continent – on Monday, September 22, the communications director of the Diocese said that the late pastor of the parish of San Carlos Eha Ndiagu was “tragically shot dead on Friday afternoon September 19, 2025, when he returned to his parish after a pastoral mission”.
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“This act of meaningless violence has plunged the entire diocese in deep pain. Fr. Matthew was a dedicated pastor, known for his humility and unwavering commitment to his flock,” says Fr. Emmanuel Asadu in the declaration of a page.
Fr. Adadu added: “At the moment, no concrete information has been received about the authors or the reasons for this atrocious crime.”
The official said that “they strongly condemn this brutality and ask the government, at all levels, and the security forces that intensify the investigations to ensure that the guilty are identified and take them before justice.”
He also called for “calm and surveillance, trusting in God’s mercy to guide us through this darkness.”
“Our diocese remains committed to collaborating with interested parties to defend peace and justice,” added the communications director.
Fr. Asadu continued: “We implore God to grant his soul the eternal rest and comfort our diocese, his family, the parishioners and all who cry this irreparable loss.”
The Nigerian Catholic priest urged “all people of good will to join us in prayer for the eternal rest of Father Matthew and for the peace and security of life and property in our nation.”
Nigeria has been living a situation of insecurity since 2009, when Boko Haram’s 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 against various objectives, including religious and political groups, as well as civilians.
The situation of insecurity in the country has been further complicated by the participation of Fulani shepherds, predominantly Muslims, also known as the Fulani militia.
Translated and adapted by the ACI Press team. Originally published in ACO Africa.
Andrés Henríquez
I was born in Caracas in 1996. I am a writer for ACI Press and correspondent of EWTN since 2023. Since then, I cover events of the Catholic Church in Venezuela, Latin America and the world. I have more than 6 years of experience in bilingual media. In addition, in Venezuela I have worked from various fields for freedom and respect for fundamental rights in the country. I am a member of the Regnum Christi Federation since 2014.