Murder of Catholic Priest Returning from Apostolate "senseless act of violence": Official in Nsukka Diocese, Nigeria

He appeals for “calm and vigilance, trusting in God's mercy to guide us through this darkness.”

“Our Diocese remains committed to collaborating with stakeholders to advocate for peace and justice,” the Director of Communications further says.

As a Diocese, Fr. Asadu goes on to say, “we implore God to grant his soul eternal rest and console our Diocese, his family, parishioners, and all who grieve this irreplaceable loss.”

The Nigerian Catholic Priest urges “all people of goodwill to join us in prayers for the peaceful repose of Fr. Matthew and for peace and security of life and property in our nation.”

Nigeria has been experiencing insecurity since 2009, when the Boko Haram insurgency began with the aim of turning the country into an Islamic state.

More in Africa

South African Catholic Bishop Known for Liturgical Reform at Conference Dies at 76

Read the article

Since then, the group, one of the largest Islamist groups in Africa, has been orchestrating indiscriminate terrorist attacks on various targets, including religious and political groups as well as civilians.

The insecurity situation in the country has further been complicated by the involvement of the predominantly Muslim Fulani herdsmen, also referred to as the Fulani Militia.

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.