The Catholic Diocese of Nsukka has refuted a report aired by Arise Television on Wednesday, 27 November 2025, alleging that two of its priests; Very Rev. Fr. John Igwebueze and Rev. Fr. Matthew Eya were murdered by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB and the Eastern Security Network, ESN.
In a formal disclaimer released by the Directorate of Communications and signed by the Director, Fr. Emmanuel I. Nsadu, the Diocese described the Arise Television narrative as inaccurate and misleading.
The Church insisted that the media outlet misrepresented the circumstances surrounding the deaths of both priests.
According to the statement, “The Catholic Diocese of Nsukka wishes to address the narrative by Arise Television this morning, 27 November 2025, that Very Rev. Fr. John Igwebueze and Rev. Fr. Matthew Eya… were murdered by armed members of IPOB and ESN group.” The Diocese firmly rejected this claim and provided details clarifying the actual causes of the deaths.
The statement clarified that Very Rev. Fr. John Igwebueze was neither attacked nor killed. Instead, he had “been suffering from illness since June 2012 and peacefully died on Sunday, 21 September 2025, at Bishop Shanahan Hospital, Nsukka.” The Diocese stressed that his death resulted from “health complications arising from this long-standing condition,” and not from any violent activity, as suggested in the broadcast.
On the case of Rev. Fr. Matthew Eya, the Diocese confirmed that he was indeed shot on Friday, 19 September 2025, but his killers remain unidentified. The statement noted that he was attacked “on his way back to his parish after a pastoral assignment.”
The Diocese further disclosed that “the security personnel have been investigating his death and no individual or group has claimed responsibility.” It therefore urged caution in reporting the incident and warned against linking the tragedy to groups or motives that have not been established.
Expressing concern over was they tagged “misinformation”, the Diocese appealed to journalists and the public to avoid sensational or speculative reporting. “We plead with anybody who has useful information on the killing of Fr. Eya, to help the security personnel in their investigation and urge the media and the public to report responsibly and refrain from mixing unrelated incidents,” the statement read.
It emphasized that “clarity and accuracy in reporting are essential, especially when dealing with sensitive issues like life and death.”
The Diocese concluded by expressing sympathy to the bereaved families, affirming, “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of both priests and promise them our prayers during this difficult time.”
It encouraged anyone seeking further clarifications to contact the office of the Director of Communications, Catholic Diocese of Nsukka.
Reacting to the Diocese’s clarification, Arise Television, in its 28 November edition of the programme, appeared to walk back parts of its earlier claims. However, the station stopped short of accepting responsibility for the misinformation, instead suggesting that the details originated from the Department of State Services,DSS.