Enugu police commissioner, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has ordered a renewed and intensified manhunt for the armed men responsible for the brutal killing of Rev. Fr. Matthew Eya.
The Catholic priest was reportedly shot and killed on the night of September 19, 2025, along the Eha-Ndiagu Eha-Etiti Road in the Eha-Alumona community, Nsukka Local Government Area.
In response to the tragic incident, the CP had immediately directed the Udenu Area Commander and the heads of tactical and operational squads within the Command to launch a full-scale operation to track down the assailants.
Following the directive, police operatives under the Udenu Area Command embarked on a series of raids and bush combing operations targeting known criminal hideouts and black spots in the area.
These efforts have led to the arrest of thirty-eight (38) suspects.
According to police authorities, incriminating exhibits were recovered during the operations, and the suspects are currently undergoing screening as investigations continue.
While expressing condolences to the family of the slain priest and the Catholic Church, CP Giwa vowed that the Command would stop at nothing to ensure that those behind the heinous act are brought to justice.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Rev. Fr. Matthew Eya. This is a tragic and senseless act of violence. I assure the public and the Church that we will not rest until the perpetrators are caught and made to face the full weight of the law,” CP Giwa stated.
The Police Public Relations Officer for Enugu State Command, SP Daniel Ndukwe, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Sunday.
He emphasized the Command’s unwavering resolve to combat violent crimes across the state.
The killing of Rev. Fr. Eya has sparked widespread condemnation across Nsukka and beyond, with many calling for swift justice and stronger security measures in rural communities.
