A Catholic priest in Nigeria has been shot dead by unknown gunmen while returning to his parish, in yet another deadly attack on Christians in the country.
Fr Matthew Eya, parish priest of St Charles Catholic Church in the Diocese of Nsukka, was ambushed and killed on Friday evening, 19th September 2025, while driving along the Eha-Alumona–Eha-Ndiagu road in Enugu State.
The attackers, reportedly on a motorcycle, opened fire on his vehicle, and he died at the scene, according to The Catholic Herald.
In a statement, diocesan chancellor Fr Cajetan Iyidobi said: “Shocked to the marrow… yet in total submission to the will of the Almighty God… I inform you of the tragic death of our brother… Let us remain ardent in prayer… May his soul rest in peace.”
Nigeria continues to be one of the world’s most dangerous places to be a Christian.
According to Open Doors, over 3,100 Christians were killed in 2024 alone, with Fulani militias, a Muslim nomadic group responsible for much of the violence.
The Enugu State government is offering a ₦10 million naira reward (around £5,000) for information leading to the arrest of Fr Eya’s killers.