Catholic priest dies in fire outbreak at Anambra church

Edmond Nwagbal, a 60-year old Catholic priest, was burnt beyond recognition in an explosion which occurred at St. Peter Claver Catholic parish, Nnewi ichi in Nnewi north local government area of Anambra state.

The explosion, which blew off the roof of the priest’s room, set fire in the entire room and left the body of the deceased shattered.

Haruna Mohammed, police public relations officer in the sate, confirmed the incident, saying the cause of the fire was unknown.

“Today 16/11/19 at about 04:00am, there was a fire outbreak at St.Peter Claver Catholic Parish Nnew ichi in Nnewi North LGA of Anambra State,” he said.

“The inferno which cause is yet to be ascertained affected part of the Church residential building. As a result the parish priest one Rv 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.

“The Commissioner of Police CP John B.Abang has ordered for a discreet investigation to ascertain circumstances surrounding the incident.”