By Fredrick Nzwili
Catholics in Nigeria are mourning the death of seven Capuchin Franciscan friars who died in a tragic road accident while traveling from Enugu to Cross River state on 3 May.
According to a statement released on 4 May, the seven were among a group of 13 friars— all members of the Custody of St Francis and St Clare of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin in Nigeria—who were en route to a spiritual retreat in the town of Obudu when their vehicle was involved in the accident.
Their bus—reportedly owned by the Diocese of Enugu—suffered brake failure.
“With deep sorrow, but hope of the resurrection, the Capuchin Friars of Nigerian Custody, we announce the death of some of our brothers,” said Brother John Kennedy Anyanwu, custos of the order.
Six of the friars suffered injuries of various degrees and are now undergoing treatment in Enugu. The seven who died were Brothers Somadina Ibe-Ojuludu, Chinedu Nwachukwu, Marcel Ezenwafor, Gerald Nwogueze, Kingsley Nwosu, Wilfred Aleke and Chukwudi Obueze.
The Capuchin brothers were embarking on a spiritual pilgrimage and retreat at a famous cattle ranch resort in Obudu, under the guidance of a priest when the accident occurred.
“We entrust their souls to the merciful love of God and invite all to join in praying for the happy repose of their souls. Funeral arrangements will be communicated in the due course,” said Brother Anyanwu.
In Nigeria, the Capuchins, serving as priests and brothers, are working, among others, in soup kitchens and homeless shelters, orphanages, hospitals and prisons as chaplains.
The Cross River State local government expressed its condolences.
“Our prayers and thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims during this incredibly difficult time,” Cross River Gov. Bassey Otu said in a statement.
The deaths of the Capuchin friars add to the pain in the life of the Catholic Church in Nigeria, which has suffered persecution, committed by militias, bandits and Islamists affiliated with the Islamic State group. A total of 145 priests have been kidnapped and 11 killed between 2015 and May 2025, amid a rising wave of kidnappings and abductions of seminarians, priests, and religious personnel.