Enugu Police Launch Manhunt, Arrest 38 Suspects Over Killing Of Catholic Priest, Matthew Eya

The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has ordered the search for the gunmen who murdered Rev. Fr. Matthew Eya on September 19, 2025, along the Eha-Ndiagu–Eha-Etiti Road in Eha-Alumona, Nsukka Local Government Area.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said that upon receiving reports of the killing, CP Giwa directed the Udenu Area Commander and tactical squads of the Command to track down the fleeing assailants.

Ndukwe explained that police operatives have since arrested 38 suspects during raids on suspected hideouts and black spots across the area.

Meanwhile, several incriminating items were also recovered, with the suspects currently undergoing screening.

The statement read, “The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, has ordered the intensification of the ongoing manhunt for the armed men who shot and murdered Rev. Fr. Matthew Eya in the night hours of 19th September 2025, along Eha-Ndiagu Eha-Etiti Road in Eha-Alumona community of Nsukka LGA.

“The CP had earlier directed the Udenu Area Commander, alongside Heads of Tactical and Operational Squads of the Command, to fish out the fleeing assailants upon receipt of information on the incident.

“Consequently, Police Operatives under the Udenu Area Command’s coverage have arrested thirty-eight (38) suspects, following bush combing and raids of different black spots in the area. Incriminating exhibits were recovered, while the suspects are currently undergoing screening.”

“CP Giwa, while commiserating with the immediate family of the deceased and the Catholic Church, reaffirmed the commitment of the Police to leave no stone unturned in apprehending the perpetrators of the heinous crime and bringing them to justice,” Ndukwe added.