Enugu Catholic priest assassination: Police arrest 38 suspects
By John Okezie
The Enugu State Police Command says it has arrested 38 suspects in connection with the killing of Rev. Fr. Matthew Eya, the Catholic priest murdered on Friday night in Eha-Alumona, Nsukka Local Government Area.
Police spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe, confirmed the development in a statement on Sunday, explaining that the arrests followed the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Bitrus Giwa.
According to him, “The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, has ordered the intensification of the ongoing manhunt for the armed men who shot and murdered Rev. Fr. Matthew Eya in the night hours of 19th September 2025, along Eha-Ndiagu Eha-Etiti Road in Eha-Alumona community of Nsukka LGA.
“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.”
Ndukwe said the suspects were rounded up during bush combing and raids on criminal hideouts in the area.
“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”, the statement read.
The Commissioner of Police also condoled with the Catholic Church and the family of the slain priest, assuring them that the killers would not escape justice.
“CP 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”, the statement added.
