An Enugu-based catholic priest has reportedly resigned from the priesthood, DAILY GAZETTE gathered.

Sources said the priest recently communicated his decision to step aside from active ministry, although the reasons for the move have not been officially disclosed.

The priest, simply identified as Rev. Fr. Ogbonna, who served in one of the parishes in the diocese, was said to have informed close associates and church authorities of his decision.

Another source stressed that the development remains an internal church matter and is being handled in accordance with canon law.

A cleric, who spoke on condition of anonymity, explained that resignations from the priesthood, though uncommon, are not unprecedented and usually follow a period of personal reflection and engagement with ecclesiastical authorities.

“The Church has laid-down procedures for such situations, and those processes are being followed,” the source said.

Efforts to reach officials of the Enugu Catholic Diocese for confirmation were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

The Catholic Church teaches that priesthood is a sacred vocation but also recognises human frailty, encouraging pastoral care, discretion, and due process in matters involving transitions from clerical life.

An assistant parish priest of Saint Kelvin Catholic Church, Ogbaku, in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, was shot on Christmas Day by gunmen suspected to be fleeing an unknown incident.

The priest, whose identity has not been officially confirmed, was reportedly shot around 8 am while approaching the church gate for morning Mass.

A source, who requested anonymity told DAILY GAZETTE that the priest was hit in the right hand and noted that the assailant was not seen.

The gunmen appeared to have fired from a concealed, distant location, making it difficult for witnesses to identify them.

The priest was immediately rushed to an undisclosed hospital and is receiving medical care, with prayers ongoing for his recovery.

“The shooting occurred on Christmas Day when everyone was in joyous celebration,” the source said.

“The priest was entering the church gate when suddenly he was struck. It may have been a stray bullet, but no one saw who fired it. He is now receiving treatment, and prayers are being said for his survival.”

Confirming the incident, Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, stated that the matter had not been formally reported to the police.

“I am aware of the incident, although the church has not officially reported it. The Divisional Police Officer for Owerri West has visited the church to verify the claims and has requested to see the priest to assist with the investigation,” he said.

The Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, also confirmed the shooting but noted that the identity of the perpetrators remains unknown.

Police investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Lady Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe (née Chime), popularly known as Black Indigo or Apunanwu, a devoted Anglican Lay Reader, accomplished businesswoman, dancer, and music lover, has passed away at the age of 90.

She is survived by her children, including her first son, Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe, Executive Vice-Chairman of Baywood Group and founder of the SAFE (Save Awgu Forum) support group in Enugu State.

The funeral service took place at the Cathedral Church of Saint Mark’s, Isu-Awaa, Agwu, Enugu State, drawing dignitaries from across Nigeria.

Among those present were five Anglican Bishops, including Most Rev. Dr. Amos Madu, pioneer Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province, Rt. Rev. Paul Udege of Afikpo Diocese, Rt. Rev. Daniel Oliha of Eha-Amufu Diocese, and Rev. Dr. Afam Ugwu, pioneer Bishop of Awgu/Aninri Diocese.

Over 30 Anglican priests also attended, with two bishops represented by delegates.

During the funeral sermon, Rt. Rev. Dr. Benson Chukwunweike, Bishop of Awgu/Aninri Diocese, reminded attendees of the inevitability of death and the importance of living a righteous life.

Citing scriptures from Numbers 23:10 and Hebrews 9:27, he emphasized that every individual will be judged and that blessings outside God’s will may lead one astray.

Using biblical examples like Jacob and Judas Iscariot, the bishop urged the congregation to lead lives of integrity and submission to divine timing.

Born in 1935 into the family of the late Chimengwu of Isu-Awaa, Lady Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe overcame challenges through hard work and faith in God.

She married the late Chief Benson Maduabuchukwu Ibe (Chinenyeze 1 of Isu-Awaa), and together they raised a family that has flourished remarkably.

Her life was described as one of fulfillment, courage and impact, earning her the affectionate title “Black Indigo.”

The Ibe family marked her passing with a series of funeral events from December 18th to 21st, 2025, collectively titled “BLACK INDIGO GOES HOME.”

In keeping with Lady Ezinne’s lifelong spirit of generosity, the family distributed food items including rice, vegetable oil and seasoning cubes to over 1,050 of the poorest families across Awgu Local Government Area.

Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe, who led the charitable outreach, noted that this was a continuation of the giving legacy instilled by his late mother.

Beneficiaries expressed deep gratitude, highlighting how the support enabled them to celebrate Christmas with dignity.

The church service also saw contributions from notable personalities, including Governor Peter Mba of Enugu State, Dr. Alex Otti of Abia State, former governors, senators, and top executives from major banks.

Ambassadorial representatives from Malawi and Uganda attended, further reflecting Lady Ezinne’s broad influence and legacy.

During the service, Emperor Chris Baywood Ibe announced plans to construct a two-storey guest house for the Cathedral Church of Saint Mark’s, fulfilling a request made by church leaders during the ceremony.

The remains of Lady Ezinne were later interred at her late husband’s residence in Isu-Awaa, followed by a grand reception attended by friends, dignitaries, and community members.

Lady Ezinne Eunice Nwabugwu Ibe is survived by her eight children, four daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, 32 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

United States President Donald Trump has announced that American forces carried out what he described as “powerful and deadly” airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) militants in north-western Nigeria.

Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform late Thursday, said the US military executed “numerous perfect strikes” against the group, which he accused of killing civilians, particularly Christians.

He vowed that under his leadership, the United States would not allow “radical Islamic terrorism” to flourish.

US Africa Command (AFRICOM) later confirmed that the operation took place in Sokoto State and was conducted in coordination with Nigerian authorities.

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, told the BBC that the strikes were part of a joint counter-terrorism operation and were not motivated by religion.

“This is a joint operation against terrorists. It has nothing to do with targeting any religious group,” Tuggar said, adding that further action would depend on decisions taken by leaders of both countries.

The US Department of Defense released an unclassified video appearing to show a missile launch from a military vessel, linked to the operation.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also confirmed cooperation with Nigeria, thanking the Nigerian government for its support in a post on X, where he added a Christmas greeting.

On Friday, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the country remains engaged in “structured security cooperation” with international partners, including the United States, to combat terrorism and violent extremism.

“This collaboration has led to precision airstrikes on terrorist targets in the North West,” the ministry said, stressing that all counter-terrorism efforts are guided by respect for sovereignty, protection of civilian lives and national unity.

While Trump has repeatedly claimed that Christians are being disproportionately targeted in Nigeria, several independent violence-monitoring organisations dispute this assertion.

Groups such as ACLED say available data shows that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of extremist violence, with Muslims accounting for a significant share of those killed.

An adviser to President Bola Tinubu, Daniel Bwala, said Nigeria welcomes international assistance in tackling insurgency but emphasised that any military action must respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and involve coordination with local authorities.

President Tinubu has maintained that Nigeria’s security challenges cut across religious and regional lines, insisting that jihadist groups have attacked people of all faiths.

Militant groups including Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province have waged a violent insurgency in Nigeria for over a decade, killing thousands and displacing millions, particularly in the country’s north-east and parts of the north-west.