By Ndu Chris Nwannah, Awka Times Guest Writer
Tragedy struck the Christian community in Nigeria on 24 March 2020, following the reported death of a Roman Catholic priest in Anambra State.
The priest who was identified as Reverend Father Charles Okeke-Odogwu was found dead at the steering wheel of his car in front of the vicarage, reportedly with his car engine still running. He was the Vicar of Holy Cross Parish, Oroma-Etiti in Anam, Anambra West Local Government Area. He was the manager of the Fr. Ohai Memorial Secondary School located in that area of Anambra State.
As at the time of filing this report, it was still unclear what led to the death of the priest.
Reports indicated that the priest had, only on Monday, 23 March 2020, attended a regional meeting of his Archdiocese. He had participated actively at the meeting, according to reports, and had shown no sign of ailment prior to his death. However, it appeared that he had vomited in his car, according to reports, before he died.
Late Reverend Father Okeke-Odogwu was a native of Okebunoye village, Alor in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State. He was ordained in 2012.
On Tuesday morning, the parishioners of the church had waited endlessly for him to perform the morning mass to no avail. It was at that point that a search party found him lifeless inside his car.
His death is raising concerns at a time of global health scare.
Details to follow….