The Catholic Diocese of Enugu on
Saturday confirmed the attack on Rev. Fr. Ikechukwu Ilo by Fulani
herdsmen along Numeh-Nenwe road in the Nkanu East Local Government Area
of Enugu State.
There was palpable tension in Numeh and
neighbouring communities in Nkanu East on Saturday following the attack
on the Enugu Catholic priest.
Father Ilo, a priest in charge of
St. Patrick Church at Numeh, was reportedly attacked alongside one Mrs
Chika Egbo on Wednesday evening. They were said to have sustained
gunshot wounds.
Confirming the attack on the priest, the Director
of Communication, Catholic Diocese of Enugu, Rev. Fr. Benjamin Achi,
told SUNDAY PUNCH that the attack was carried out by Fulani herdsmen.
The
Catholic Church spokesman said Fr. Ilo was driving to his parish when
suddenly two Fulani herdsmen carrying AK 47 rifles appeared from the
bush.
They reportedly tried to stop him, but when they could not,
they opened fire on his vehicle. He was said to have been shot in the
leg and the other person sustained gunshot wounds.
He quoted Fr
Ilo as saying, “As we drove towards the village, the Fulani killer
herdsmen, who spoke both in English and Fulani languages, opened fire,
trying to force us to stop. Seeing that we were not ready to cave in to
their intimidation, they started raining bullets on our vehicle at close
range and in the process, shot me at my ankle and shoulder while the
other victim was shot in her leg and waist.”
He expressed
gratitude to God that the priest was not killed, saying he was
immediately rushed to Annunciation Specialist Hospital, Emene for
treatment.
The police also confirmed the attack on the clergyman,
adding that investigations into the matter had commenced to ascertain
those behind the attack and their motive.
A statement by the
Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amaraizu, on Friday, which
confirmed the report, however, denied that the attack was by Fulani
herdsmen.
Amaraizu said, “The Enugu State command of the Nigeria
Police Force through its operatives are investigating the attack by
robbers on a priest identified as Rev. Fr. Ikechukwu Ilo of St. Patrick
Parish, Numeh on Wednesday July 18, 2019, along Numeh axis of Nkanu East
Local Government Area of Enugu State by unidentified persons, contrary
to speculations of attack by a terrorist group.
