Abuja — Seven Capuchin Friars, members of the Custody of St. Francis and St. Clare of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin in Nigeria, lost their lives in a serious traffic accident that occurred on May 3, 2025, while traveling from Enugu State to Cross River State.

The news was confirmed by Brother John-Kennedy Anyanwu, OFM Cap., Custos of the Order, in an official statement released on May 4 from the Capuchin Friars Convent in Enugu. According to the statement, the thirteen friars had left the community of Ridgeway (Enugu State) bound for Obudu (Cross River State), when the vehicle transporting them was involved in an accident, resulting in the death of seven of them. The six surviving friars suffered injuries of varying severity and were transferred back to Enugu for medical care.

The deceased friars are: 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.; and Brother Chukwudi Obueze, OFM.