Nigeria: Catholic Priest Allegedly Attacked After Mass in Enugu

16 August 2026

ENUGU -- A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Valentine Chimaobi Nwajiagu, was allegedly attacked on Sunday by a member of the Knights of St. John International, Sir Iyke Nwatakwocha, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, New GRA, Trans-Ekulu, Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The incident reportedly occurred shortly after the 6 a.m. Mass, during which Nwajiagu had participated in a priestly exchange programme at the parish.

Nwajiagu is the Assistant Parish Priest of Assumption Catholic Church, Nkwo Nike, in Enugu State.

Sources said the man allegedly confronted the priest and damaged his vehicle while threatening some worshippers who attempted to intervene.

The reason for the alleged confrontation was not immediately known as of the time of filing this report.

However, some worshippers claimed that the same individual had allegedly confronted the priest earlier in the year at his parish, expressing concern that the incident had reportedly occurred again.

The worshippers called on the Catholic Diocese of Enugu to investigate the incident and take appropriate measures to prevent further confrontation involving the priest.

The allegations could not be independently verified as of press time.

Efforts to obtain the reactions of the priest, the accused, the Knights of St. John International and the Catholic Diocese of Enugu were ongoing as of the time of filing this report.

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