BEVERLY HILLS, September 08, (THEWILL) – Three gunmen, on Friday, invaded St. Thomas’ Catholic Church, Onilekere, Ikeja, shooting the parish priest, Rev. Daniel Nwankwo at close range.
The gunmen were said to have approached the priest around 8:30am, shortly after he had concluded the day’s morning mass, and demanded audience with him which he granted without suspicion.
But as soon as Nwankwo followed them outside the church auditorium, one of the hoodlums opened fire on him and they escaped by jumping over the fence into a nearby canal.
The incident was confirmed by the Spokesman of the LagosState Police Command, ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole, who said five suspects have already been arrested in connection with the crime and were being interrogated.
He dispelled rumours that the priest was killed, adding that he was recuperating at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).
“The priest was immediately taken to LASUTH for medical attention where he is currently being treated and is under stable,” he said.
“The Commissioner of Police has visited the priest to ensure he was being given adequate treatment. He also spoke with him.
“Yes the CP was at the scene and he spoke with some witnesses, who said the assailants were three and all Igbos.
“The witnesses said the assailants were not known to be members of the church. They said they were having a conversation with the priest before he was shot.
“The CP has deployed a crack team of detectives and operational officers to the scene and all areas leading to the canal, where the suspects were said to have ran towards.
“Already, five suspects have been arrested in connection with the crime and they are being interrogated.
“The CP is advising residents to be vigilant and security conscious at this time. He appealed that strange and suspicious faces, movements be promptly reported to the police.
“He has also ordered the deployment of static police guards in all churches and mosques across the state.
“Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) have been directed to provide 24 hours daily static police guard at churches and mosques.”
