Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has led the mourning for two Catholic priests whose lives were cut short in quick succession. Okowa on Saturday commiserated with the Bishops and the entire parishioners of the Catholic Diocese of Warri over the sudden demise of Very Rev. Fr. Dr Louis Odudu, while also condoling His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Michael Elue, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku, the priests and parishioners over the death of Rev. Fr. Anthony Dibia.

Okowa in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Charles Aniagwu said the death of Fr. Odudu was regrettable and unfortunate especially as he was reported to have escaped from his abductors prior to his death.

The Governor condemned in strong terms the renewed onslaught against clergymen in the state, assuring that his administration will work closely with security agencies to arrest the ugly trend

His words: “On behalf of the government and people of Delta State I condole with his Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. John Afareha, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Warri, the priests and parishioners over the death of Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Louis Odudu.

“As a government, we will continue to ensure the security of lives and property. We will continue to partner with security agencies to ensure that Delta State remains unsafe for kidnappers and other criminals to carry out their evil enterprise.

“Right now, we must all come together as a people of faith and most importantly, Nigerians to condemn these renewed attacks on clergymen. This tragedy affects us all and we join the Catholic community to mourn the deceased.”

Until his death, Fr. Odudu was the Chaplain of the Seat of Wisdom Catholic Chaplaincy of the Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun.

On Rev Father Dibia, Governor Okowa described him as one of the most vibrant and charismatic priests in the Diocese of Issele-Uku who was committed to the growth and development of the church wherever he served.

“The death of Fr. Dibia comes at a time when his services were most needed, especially as he was a committed Church builder and had footprints of his developments in all the parishes he served.

“Although Fr Dibia was reported to have died of health challenges, he will be missed by Catholic Priests, Catholic faithful, members of the Charismatic Renewal of Nigeria, friends and family members,” the Governor said.

Until his death, Fr Dibia was the Parish Priest of St. Monica’s Catholic Church, Ibusa, and Assistant Chaplain of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Nigeria (CCRN).

Update news