Slain Catholic priest buried in Anambra
The remains of Rev. Fr. Tobias Okonkwo, a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi, Anambra State, have been buried amid tears from other priests, family members, and well-wishers.
Okonkwo, who was reportedly murdered by gunmen on December 26, 2024, was buried on Thursday at Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral in Nnewi after a requiem mass.
The deceased, a pharmacist by profession, was murdered by his assailants after he was about leaving the premises of the School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Medical Laboratory Sciences, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala, where he worked as a manager.
The mass, attended by hundreds of priests and reverend sisters from different religious congregations, family members, friends, and well-wishers, was presided over by the Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Aguleri, Most Rev. Denis Isizoh, and co-celebrated by the Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Most Rev. Jonas-Benson Okoye, and the Auxiliary Bishop of Port Harcourt Diocese, Most Rev. Patrick Eluke.
In his homily, the Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Nnewi, Monsignor Anichebe Patrick Ezeobata, said, “Fr. Tobias Okonkwo, who died at the prime of his youth, had already carved out an impressive niche for himself and had led an impactful pastoral life before his death.
“He was a pilgrim on earth. Okonkwo, who was ordained in July 2015, finished his internship as pharmacist in October 2024, and was posted to the School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Medical Laboratory Sciences, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Ihiala, as manager.”
He added that the deceased was barely two months in office before he met his death.
Among the political class, who attended the funeral were the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi as well as a former Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget in Anambra State, Prof. Stella Okunna, among others.
