The Enugu State Police Command has launched a manhunt for the gunmen who murdered a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Mathew Eya, in Nsukka on Friday. Eya, who was the priest in charge of St. Charles Catholic Church, Eha-Ndiagu, Nsukka Local Council, was shot dead by unidentified assailants while driving along the Eha-Ndiagu road in his ash-coloured Toyota Camry.

The attackers riddled his vehicle with bullets, killing him instantly before fleeing the scene.

State Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, ordered increased operations to track down the perpetrators. Police spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe, said yesterday that the Udenu Area Commander, alongside tactical and operational squads, had been deployed immediately after the incident.

“Consequently, police operatives under the Udenu Area Command’s coverage have arrested 38 suspects following bush combing and raids of different black spots in the area. Incriminating exhibits were recovered, while the suspects are currently undergoing screening,” he said.

Giwa commiserated with the priest’s family, the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka and the wider Catholic community.

, assuring that the Command would leave no stone unturned in bringing the killers to justice.

Meanwhile, the Enugu State government has expressed deep sadness over the killing and announced a N10 million reward for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators.

Commissioner for Information and Communication, Malachy Agbo, in a statement, described the attack as “cowardly and cold-blooded.” He conveyed the condolences of the state government to the bereaved family and the Catholic faithful, while reaffirming that the security of lives and property remains a top priority.

He said the government would deploy all resources, including technology and intelligence, to track down the criminals. “Anybody with credible information about the perpetrators should quickly contact 07077451426,” he added.