Catholic priest burnt to death in Anambra fire outbreak

A Catholic priest, Rev Fr. Edmond Nwagbal, was Saturday burnt to death in a fire outbreak at St. Peter Claver Catholic Parish Nnew ichi, Nnewi North local government area of Anambra State.

The fire, according to reports, started at about 4:00 a.m. and affected part of the church’s residential building while the deceased was said to be indoors.

Confirming the development, the spokesman of the Anambra State Police Command, Haruna Mohammed, said the cause of the fire has not neen ascertained.

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

“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 60 years 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 post-mortem examination.

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

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