The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Andrew Enwerem, said on Monday that the police had already visited the scene of the crime and would spare no effort in bringing the perpetrators of the crime to book.
The priest was on Saturday heading for St. Mark’s Catholic Chaplaincy, Obinze Barracks, where he served as a chaplain, to conduct the day’s Eucharistic mass for men of the Nigerian Armed Forces when he was attacked.
It was gathered that the assailants waylaid him on the road at a pathway before Avu junction on the Port Harcourt Road, Owerri, and dragged him out of his SUV before slitting his throat and cutting through his stomach with a knife.
A source said the suspected cultists dragged him into a nearby bush and tied him to a tree.
He said the men did not take any money from the priest’s car.
Osuagwu, an indigene of Obowo council area of the state, was until his death the Director of Students Industrial Works Experience Scheme in the Imo State Polytechnic.
Osuagwu, who celebrated his Silver Jubilee anniversary as a priest last year, was reported to be among the top contestants for the position of Superior-General of the Claretian priests slated to hold sometime in 2016.
The management of the Imo State Polytechnic, confirmed the incident, but declined to comment on it because the police had begun investigation.
The police spokesperson, Enwerem, said, “We heard the information that morning and immediately moved our men to the scene of the incident. The State Police Command is intensifying actions to see that the perpetrators of the dastard action are brought to book. We must surely get them.”
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Crime