The Enugu State Police Command has stepped up its efforts to track down the armed men who brutally murdered Rev. Father Matthew Eya on the night of Friday, September 19, 2025, along Eha-Ndiagu Eha-Etiti Road in Eha-Alumona community, Nsukka Local Government Area of the state.
According to a statement issued on Sunday, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, ordered an intensified manhunt immediately after receiving reports of the deadly attack. He directed the Udenu Area Commander and the heads of the command’s tactical and operational squads to comb the area, identify the perpetrators, and ensure that they are swiftly brought to justice.
As part of the operation, police operatives under the Udenu Area Command carried out extensive bush combing and raided several suspected criminal hideouts in the region. The exercise led to the arrest of thirty-eight (38) suspects and the recovery of incriminating exhibits believed to be connected to the crime.
The suspects are currently undergoing rigorous screening to ascertain their level of involvement in the priest’s murder. CP Giwa, while commiserating with the bereaved family and the Catholic Church, assured residents that the command would leave no stone unturned in apprehending the fleeing assailants and ensuring they face the full weight of the law.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, confirmed the development and reiterated the command’s commitment to restoring peace and protecting lives and property in the state. He urged members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could aid the ongoing investigation.
The killing of Rev. Father Eya has sparked widespread grief and outrage across Enugu State, with calls from both the clergy and the laity for the government to strengthen security measures to prevent further attacks on innocent citizens.
