The Custody of St. Francis and St. Clare of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin in Nigeria is mourning the loss of seven of its members following a tragic road accident on May 3, 2025. The friars were en route from Enugu State to Cross River State for a community mission when the incident occurred.
The heartbreaking news was confirmed by the Custos, Brother John-Kennedy Anyanwu, OFM Cap., in an official statement issued on May 4 from the Capuchin friary in Enugu. According to the statement, thirteen friars had departed from the Ridgeway community in Enugu State, heading to Obudu in Cross River State, when their vehicle was involved in a fatal crash. Seven friars lost their lives, while the remaining six sustained varying degrees of injuries and have since been transported back to Enugu for medical treatment.
“It is with deep sorrow, yet in the hope of the resurrection, that we announce the passing of our brothers,” said Brother Anyanwu in his heartfelt message.
The deceased 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.
In a sincere appeal to the Christian community, Brother Anyanwu called on the faithful to unite with the Capuchin family in prayer for the peaceful repose of the departed friars. “We commend their souls to the merciful love of God,” he said, adding that funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.
This tragic event has cast a shadow over the Capuchin community in Nigeria and beyond, as friars, faithful, and friends now come together in grief, prayer, and solidarity.
