Seven Capuchin Friars Killed, Six Injured in Nigerian Road Accident

ENUGU, 5 May 2025 (CISA) – Seven Capuchin friars from the Custody of St. Francis and St. Clare of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin in Nigeria lost their lives in a fatal road accident on 3 May while travelling from Enugu State to Cross River State.

Br. John-Kennedy Anyanwu, OFM Cap., Custos of the Capuchins in Nigeria, confirmed the deaths in an official statement released from the Capuchin Friary in Enugu on 4 May.

Thirteen friars had set out from the Ridgeway Community in Enugu, heading to Obudu in Cross River State, when their vehicle was involved in the tragic crash. Seven friars died, and six others sustained injuries of varying severity. The injured have since been brought back to Enugu for medical care.

“It is with deep sorrow, but in the hope of the resurrection, that we announce the death of our brothers,” Br. Anyanwu said.

The deceased have been named as Br. Somadina Ibe-Ojuludu, OFM Cap., Br. Chinedu Nwachukwu, OFM Cap., Br. Marcel Ezenwafor, OFM Cap., Br. Gerald Nwogueze, OFM Cap., Br. Kingsley Nwosu, OFM Cap., Br. Wilfred Aleke, OFM Cap., and Br. Chukwudi Obueze, OFM Cap.

Br. Anyanwu urged the Christian community to unite in prayer for the repose of the departed friars. “We entrust their souls to the merciful love of God,” he said, noting that details of the funeral will be announced in due course.

The tragedy has cast a pall over the Nigerian Capuchin community, as friars and faithful around the world join in mourning, prayer, and solidarity.

Source: CISA