By Sunny A. David, Awka
A Catholic priest and Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Nwankwo, recently recounted his miraculous survival after being caught in a violent attack by gunmen.
The harrowing incident took place on the morning of July 9, 2025, at the Ekwulobia Roundabout, located in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.
In a moving testimony, Fr. Nwankwo described the terrifying 44-minute ordeal, which began at 7:30 a.m. and lasted until 8:14 a.m. He was en route to the State capital, Awka, when the gunmen ambushed him. According to the priest, the attack began suddenly while he was waiting at a red traffic light, unaware of the chaos unfolding.
“I was waiting for the light to turn green when gunfire erupted from multiple directions,” Fr. Nwankwo recalled. “I saw a woman lying on the road divider, clearly injured by the gunfire. There were shots from the Nanka road and Oko route, and in the confusion, I made the split-second decision to re-enter my car.”
At that moment, a hooded assailant forced the priest out of the car, ordered him to hand over the keys, and shoved him into the trunk of the vehicle. The gunmen then took control of the car, leaving the engine running, likely preparing for a quick getaway.
As the gunmen continued firing, Fr. Nwankwo remained trapped in the trunk, fearing for his life. He described his state as “helpless” but remarkably calm, trusting in God’s protection.
“I could hear the gunshots getting closer, and at one point, I even heard someone shout for a new magazine. It was as though the situation was escalating,” he said.
Despite the continuous barrage of gunfire, Fr. Nwankwo was unexpectedly struck by a bullet on his toe at exactly 7:48 a.m. He remained composed, silently praying for divine intervention.
“After I entrusted myself to God’s hands, I waited, not knowing if or when another bullet would find me,” he recalled. “I was struck on the middle toe, of all places. I believe God allowed this minor injury to serve as a reminder of His protection.”
During the intense standoff, the priest was struck with awe at his own calmness. The vehicle sustained 19 bullet holes, and even the spare tire beneath the trunk was shot. Yet, Fr. Nwankwo’s position in the trunk spared him from further harm, a clear indication, he believes, of God’s miraculous intervention.
“I’m convinced that God led the gunman to place me in that exact spot in the car,” he reflected. “Had I remained in the passenger seat, I would have likely been more seriously injured or even killed.”
The breakthrough came when Fr. Nwankwo heard a sudden shout and the gunfire ceased. Soon after, he learned that the Joint Intervention Force had arrived, forcing the gunmen to flee. “It was a moment of divine timing,” Fr. Nwankwo said, acknowledging the courageous efforts of the security forces who helped end the standoff.
Once the shooting subsided, Fr. Nwankwo carefully tapped on the trunk window. A young boy opened it, and the priest quickly emerged. He then contacted his colleagues to inform them that he had survived the ordeal.
In the days that followed, a special Thanksgiving Mass was held in his honor at his home village of Ndiowu, Orumba North Local Government Area. The Mass was presided over by His Eminence, Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpaleke, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia.
“We invited friends and the community to join us in thanking God for saving my life,” Fr. Nwankwo said. “I’m grateful that God used many people, from the young man who directed me to safety to the brave soldiers who dislodged the attackers. It’s only by His grace that I’m here to share this testimony.”
