The Enugu State Police Command has intensified its manhunt for the murderers of a Catholic Priest, Rev Father Mathew Eya, in Nsukka on Friday.
It further stated that bush combing and raids on different black spots in the area have led to the arrest of 38 suspects with the recovery of incriminating evidence.
Rev Fr. Eya, the priest in charge of St. Charles Catholic Church, Eha-Ndiagu, Nsukka Local Government Area, met his untimely death along the Eha-Ndiagu road while riding in his ash-colour Toyota Camry car.
His assailants rained bullets on his car and ensured he breathed his last before they left the blood-stained scene.
The Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has ordered an increased manhunt for the armed men who shot the priest.
A statement by the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Daniel Ndukwe, on Sunday said that the CP had earlier directed the Udenu Area Commander, alongside Heads of Tactical and Operational Squads of the Command, to fish out the fleeing assailants upon receipt of information on the incident.
“Consequently, Police Operatives under the Udenu Area Command’s coverage have arrested thirty-eight (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 clarified.
He said that Giwa, while commiserating with the immediate family of the deceased and the Catholic Church, reaffirmed the commitment of the Police to leave no stone unturned in apprehending the perpetrators of the heinous crime and bringing them to justice.
Already, the Enugu State Government, while expressing deep sadness over the gruesome murder of the priest, announced a N10 million reward for anyone with credible information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.
A statement by the Enugu State government, signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Malachy Agbo, described the actions of his assailants as “cowardly and cold-blooded.”
Agbo conveyed the commiserations of the state government to the late priest’s immediate family, the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka, and the Catholic faithful in general over the tragic incident.
He confirmed reports that Father Eya was shot dead by a group of assailants, who attacked and killed him along Alumona-Eha Ndiagu road in Nsukka Local Government Area.
“The government has, therefore, reiterated that security of lives and property remains its priority and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“It added that it would not spare any resources within its reach, including technology and credible intelligence, to track down the criminals and defeat the remnant agents of evil in the state.
“Consequently, the Enugu State Government has placed N10 million reward for anyone with credible information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators of the heinous crime.
“Anybody with credible information about the perpetrators should quickly contact 07077451426,” he added.
* Media Report