7 Franciscan Capuchins in Nigeria die in car accident, leadership appeals for prayer

ACI Africa, May 10, 2025 / 09:00 am (CNA).

Members of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin (OFM Cap) in Nigeria are appealing for prayers following a car accident that claimed the lives of seven of their brothers and left several others injured.

In a statement shared with ACI Africa, CNA’s news partner in Africa, on May 5, the order’s leadership in Nigeria provided details of the accident that occurred on May 3 in the Ridgeway Community in Nigeria’s Enugu state.

“With deep sorrow but in the hope of the Resurrection, the Capuchin Friars of Nigerian Custody announce the death of some of our brothers in a tragic incident that took place on the evening of May 3, 2025,” said the statement, signed by Brother John-Kennedy Anyanwu, OFM Cap, custos of the order.

The statement continued: “Thirteen of our brothers departed the Ridgeway Community, Enugu state, for Obudu, Cross Rivers state, Nigeria, but unfortunately had a fatal accident. Seven of the brothers died as a result of the accident, while six of them sustained various degrees of injuries. The injured brothers have been transferred to Enugu for proper treatment.”

In the statement, Anyanwu entrusted the souls of his deceased confreres to the “merciful love of God” and invited the people of God to “join us in praying for the happy repose of their souls.” He said funeral arrangements will be “communicated in due course.”

The deceased Capuchin friars have been identified as:

Brother Somadina Ibe-Ojuludu, OFM Cap

Brother Chinedu Nwachukwu, OFM Cap

Brother Marcel Ezenwafor, OFM Cap

Brother Gerald Nwogueze, OFM Cap

Brother Kingsley Nwosu, OFM Cap

Brother Wilfred Aleke, OFM Cap

Brother Chukwudi Obueze, OFM Cap

“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen,” the statement concluded.

This story was first published by ACI Africa, CNA’s news partner in Africa, and has been adapted by CNA.