Catholic Priest Waylaid And Murdered On His Way To Conduct Mass In Owerri

The Imo State Police Command says it has commenced investigation into
the death of a Catholic priest and lecturer at the Imo State
Polytechnic, Rev. Fr. Dr. Desmond Osuagwu.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Andrew Enwerem, told
PUNCH Metro on Monday that the police had already visited the scene of
the crime and would spare no effort in bringing the perpetrators of
the crime to book.

The priest was on Saturday heading for St. Mark's Catholic Chaplaincy,
Obinze Barracks, where he served as a chaplain, to conduct the day's
Eucharistic mass for men of the Nigerian Armed Forces when he was
attacked.

It was gathered that the assailants waylaid him on the road at a
pathway before Avu junction on the Port Harcourt Road, Owerri, and
dragged him out of his SUV before slitting his throat and cutting
through his stomach with a knife.

A source told our correspondent the suspected cultists dragged him
into a nearby bush and tied him to a tree.

He said the men did not take any money from the priest's car.


Desmond Osuagwu

Osuagwu, an indigene of Obowo council area of the state, was until his
death the Director of Students Industrial Works Experience Scheme in
the Imo State Polytechnic.

Osuagwu, who celebrated his Silver Jubilee anniversary as a priest
last year, was reported to be among the top contestants for the
position of Superior-General of the Claretian priests slated to hold
sometime in 2016.

The management of the Imo State Polytechnic, confirmed the incident,
but declined to comment on it because the police had begun
investigation.

The police spokesperson, Enwerem, said, "We heard the information that
morning and immediately moved our men to the scene of the incident.
The State Police Command is intensifying actions to see that the
perpetrators of the dastard action are brought to book. We must surely
get them."

-PUNCH