A Catholic priest and Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia, Lawrence Nwankwo, has recounted how he survived a 44-minute ordeal in the hands of gunmen during an attack in Ekwulobia, Anambra State.
Recounting the incident, Rev. Fr. Nwankwo said the attack occurred on July 9, 2025, between 7:30 a.m. and 8:14 a.m., while he was travelling from Ekwulobia to Awka, the state capital.
According to him, he was forced out of his vehicle at the Ekwulobia roundabout by armed men, ordered to surrender his car keys and placed in the trunk of the vehicle as the attackers attempted to flee with it.
He explained that amid sustained gunfire, he remained trapped in the trunk, uncertain of his fate, until security forces later arrived and dislodged the attackers.
Fr. Nwankwo said he sustained a minor injury during the incident, while his vehicle was hit multiple times by bullets, describing his survival as divine intervention.
Following the incident, a thanksgiving Mass was held in his honour, officiated by Peter Ebere Okpaleke, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia, where the priest expressed gratitude for his life and the efforts of security operatives who rescued him.
He said the experience had strengthened his faith and urged Nigerians to continue praying for peace and security across the country.
David-Chyddy Eleke, Awka
About the Author
