The Catholic Diocese of Nsukka, Enugu State, has announced the death of Rev. Fr. John Igwebueze, a former parish priest of Saint Anthony’s Parish, Nguru.
The Chancellor and Principal Secretary of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Cajetan Iyidiobi, confirmed the development in a statement on Tuesday.
“Trusting in the love of the Almighty God, and with total submission to His inscrutable will and a firm hope in the resurrection of the dead, may I inform you of the death of yet another priest of our Diocese, Rev. Fr. John Igwebueze,” he said.
According to the Diocese, Fr. Igwebueze passed away on Monday night at Bishop Shanahan Hospital, Nsukka. Details of his funeral arrangements will be released later.
His death brings to seven the number of priests lost in the Diocese in the last six months, including the Bishop Emeritus of Nsukka, Most Rev. Francis Okobo.
Meanwhile, a heavy downpour on Tuesday morning disrupted activities at Saint Theresa’s Cathedral, Nsukka, where faithful had gathered for the requiem Mass of Bishop Okobo. While some dignitaries arrived before the rainfall, many mourners were unable to reach the venue as the downpour caused flooding along the Enugu–Nsukka Expressway.
Residents expressed frustration over the condition of the road, which was dualised during the administration of former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi but now suffers from blocked drainage. Nsukka council chairman, Jude Asogwa, and Governor Peter Mbah, who were expected at the service, were advised the route may be impassable.
The council chairman’s media team explained that the road would be rehabilitated during the dry season, citing technical advice from the original contractors, RCC. The state government also said experts had inspected the site and reached the same conclusion.
