Enugu Police Nab 38 Over Killing of Catholic Priest

The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 38 suspects in connection with the killing of Rev. Fr. Matthew Eya, a Catholic priest.

Reports indicate that unidentified gunmen murdered Fr. Eya on Friday evening, September 19, 2025, while he was returning to his parish, St. Charles Catholic Church, Eha-Ndiagu, in Eha-Amufu, Enugu State.

Some community sources alleged that the assailants were suspected Fulani herdsmen who have long terrorized the area.

Reacting to the incident in a statement on Sunday, the Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Bitrus Giwa, assured the public that security agencies were on the trail of the perpetrators.

According to the Command’s spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe, police operatives have intensified operations, raiding suspected criminal hideouts and conducting bush combing in the area. These efforts, he said, led to the arrest of 38 suspects and the recovery of incriminating exhibits.

Part of the police statement reads:

> “We suspect the assailants are still in the area, and we are determined to fish them out,” Giwa said, while commiserating with the deceased’s family and the Catholic Church.

He added:

> “We have arrested 38 suspects who are currently undergoing screening. We will ensure that justice is served and that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to book.”