Thieves storm Owerri chapel, cart away Blessed Sacrament in shocking act of desecration.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri has been thrown into deep shock following a break-in at St. Mulumba Parish on Wetheral Road, where unknown thieves made away with the Blessed Sacrament—an incident church authorities have strongly condemned as a grave act of desecration.

The attack occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, April 29, 2026, during heavy rainfall. This was disclosed by the Archdiocesan Chancellor and Secretary, Rev. Fr. Patrick C. Mbarah.
In a message addressed to priests, religious leaders, and the faithful, Mbarah revealed that the intruders gained access by ripping open the roof and descending through the ceiling into the Chapel of Adoration. They subsequently escaped with the monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament.
“With great sadness,” he stated, “we inform you of the desecration of the Chapel of Adoration of St. Mulumba Parish.”
The incident was first reported by the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Raymond Madu.
In response, the Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, has directed a week of reparation. Parishioners of St. Mulumba are to assemble daily from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., from Friday, May 1 through Friday, May 8, 2026, for prayers.
Additionally, the Archbishop has instructed all priests across the archdiocese to strengthen security around the Blessed Sacrament. He emphasized that exposition must only take place when there is adequate presence of the faithful, stressing that under no condition should the Blessed Sacrament be left unattended.
Citing Canon 942, the Church underscored that compliance is now mandatory, especially in light of the recent sacrilegious act.