Catholic Church building and premises in Nnewi, at the Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, St Peter Claver Catholic Church Parish has been gutted by fire.
Reports coming in say a resident priest who lived in the church’s parish house has lost his life to the inferno which started at about 4.00am today.
The state police command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Haruna Mohammed confirmed this, saying, “Today 16/11/19 at about 04:00am, there was a fire outbreak at St. Peter Claver Catholic Parish Nnewi, in Nnewi North LGA of Anambra State.”
He said, “The inferno, which cause is yet to be ascertained affected part of the Church’s residential building. As a result, the parish priest, one Rev. Fr. Edmond Nwagbala ‘m’ aged about 60yrs was burnt beyond recognition inside his room at same premises.
“Police patrol teams attached to Otolo Division led by the DPO visited the scene and Fire Service department was equally alerted, they responded promptly and put off the fire before it escalates.
“Meanwhile, the victim was rushed to the hospital for medical attention but certified dead on arrival by the medical doctor and corpse deposited at the mortuary for postmortem examination.”
Haruna said the Commissioner of Police, CP John B. Abang has ordered a discreet investigation to ascertain circumstances leading to the unfortunate incident.