IPOB/ESN Did Not Kill Buried Nsukka Priests – Catholic Diocese Issues Official Statement Slams Arise Television Report

IPOB/ESN Did Not Kill Buried Nsukka Priests – Catholic Diocese Issues Official Statement Slams Arise Television Report The Catholic Diocese ...

IPOB/ESN Did Not Kill Buried Nsukka Priests – Catholic Diocese Issues Official Statement Slams Arise Television Report

The Catholic Diocese of Nsukka has issued an official disclaimer strongly rejecting a report aired by Arise Television on the morning of 27 November 2025, which alleged that two of its priests — Very Rev. Fr. John Igwebueze and Rev. Fr. Matthew Eya — were murdered by armed members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) before being buried on Friday, 21 November 2025, at St. Theresa’s Catholic Cathedral, Nsukka.

In a statement signed by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel I. Asadu, Director of Communications of the diocese, the Church provided a detailed clarification on the separate circumstances of the two priests’ deaths and urged the public and media to refrain from sensationalism and the conflation of unrelated incidents.

Death of Very Rev. Fr. John Igwebueze

The diocese stated that Fr. John Igwebueze had been battling a chronic illness since June 2012. He died peacefully on Sunday, 21 September 2025, at Bishop Shanahan Hospital, Nsukka, due to complications arising from his long-standing health condition. The statement emphasized that his death was entirely natural and had no connection to violence or foul play.

Death of Rev. Fr. Matthew Eya

In a separate and unrelated incident, Rev. Fr. Matthew Eya was tragically shot and killed on Friday, 19 September 2025, by yet-to-be-identified gunmen while returning to his parish after a pastoral assignment. The diocese confirmed that security agencies are actively investigating the incident, and no individual or group, including IPOB or ESN, has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The Church expressed deep concern that linking the two deaths — one from prolonged illness and the other a targeted killing still under investigation — risks inflaming tensions and spreading misinformation in an already sensitive region.

Appeal for Responsible Reporting

“We plead with anybody who has useful information on the killing of Fr. Matthew Eya to assist the security personnel in their investigation,” the statement read. It further urged media houses and the public to “report responsibly and refrain from mixing unrelated incidents,” stressing that “clarity and accuracy in reporting are essential, especially when dealing with sensitive issues like life and death.”

The diocese extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of both priests and assured them of the prayers and support of the Catholic community during this difficult time.

Ongoing Investigation

As of the time of the statement, the police and other security agencies continue to investigate the murder of Fr. Matthew Eya. Authorities have appealed to the public for any information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.

Family Writers Press International. 

The Catholic Diocese of Nsukka has made its Director of Communications available for further clarification and provided contact details for inquiries: +234 708 265 0492 or nsukkacathsec@gmail.com.

The incident has once again highlighted the security challenges faced by clergy and citizens in parts of south-east Nigeria, even as the Church calls for calm, prayer, and justice without prejudice or premature attribution of blame.