TRAGEDY struck in Imo State on Tuesday after hoodlums murdered an Anglican priest, Rev Emeka Merenu.

UGAMATV gathered that the victim until his death was the priest-in-charge of St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Ihitte Ukwa, in the Orsu LGA of the state.

The priest, a native of Amaorji in Nkwerre in the Nkwerre LGA, was killed in the early hours of Tuesday, our correspondent learnt.

A member of the church, who spoke to our correspondent in confidence, disclosed that the attackers stormed the church premises and butchered the priest.

His vehicle was not spared as the hoodlums set it ablaze before fleeing.

A source said, “His attackers stormed the church’s compound where he lived, butchered him and burnt his car before running always.”

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Asked what could be the reason for the murder, the source said, “The church has a school on the premises. His attackers were probably angry that the priest gave security protection to the students of the school who were sitting this year’s West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination.”

When contacted, the police spokesperson in the state, Micheal Abattam, confirmed the murder of the priest, adding, “Investigation has commenced with a view to arresting the suspects.