Seven Franciscan Capuchins in Nigeria Die in Road Accident, Leadership Appeals for Spiritual Solidarity

Jos, 05 May, 2025 / 7:52 PM

Members of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (OFM Cap) in Nigeria are appealing for prayers following a road accident that claimed the lives of seven of their brothers and left several others injured.

In a statement shared with ACI Africa on Monday, May 5, OFM Cap leadership in Nigeria provides details of the May 3 accident that occurred in the Ridgeway Community in Nigeria’s Enugu State.

“With deep sorrow but in the hope of the resurrection, the Capuchin Friars of Nigerian Custody announce the death of some of our brothers in a tragic incident that took place on the evening of May 3rd, 2025,” the statement that Br. John-Kennedy Anyanwu signed reads in part.

In the statement dated Sunday, May 4, Br. Anyanwu adds, “Thirteen of our brothers departed the Ridgeway Community, Enugu State, for Obudu, Cross Rivers State, Nigeria, but unfortunately had a fatal accident.”

“Seven of the brothers died as a result of the accident, while six of them sustained various degrees of injuries. The injured brothers have been transferred to Enugu for proper treatment,” he states.

He goes on to entrust the souls of his deceased confreres to the “merciful love of God” and invites the people of God to “join us in praying for the happy repose of their souls.”

“Funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course,” Br. Anyanwu further says.

The deceased OFM Cap. Friars have been identified as:

1. Br. Somadina Ibe-Ojuludu, OFM Cap
2. Br. Chinedu Nwachukwu, OFM Cap
3. Br. Marcel Ezenwafor, OFM Cap
4. Br. Gerald Nwogueze, OFM Cap
5. Br. Kingsley Nwosu, OFM Cap
6. Br. Wilfred Aleke, OFM Cap
7. Br. Chukwudi Obueze, OFM Cap

“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen,” the leadership of the Friars in Nigeria implores in the May 4 statement shared with ACI Africa.