Tragedy: Lagos Catholics mourn as clergy drowns in beach.

Catholics in Lagos Nigeria are yet to come to terms with the tragic death of Rev. Francis Alex Okafor. The clergy-man drowned during a send-forth party organised in his honour at the Ibeshe Beach in Oriade Local Council Development Area of the state. Eyewitness account reveals that, while Rev. Okafor and some of his guests were swimming, a strong current came and carried him, together with some of the people. Divers who were immediately mobilised were able to rescue three of them, while Rev Okafor could not be found. Two days after, his lifeless body was found floating at the edge of the sea. Rev. Okafor, just in his thirties, was ordained Deacon on July 4, 2015, and was subsequently posted to St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, Agboju, Lagos for the mandatory six weeks apostolic work. According to The Sun, a visit to the parish within the week, saw the whole place in a sombre look. There were no activities in the premises. The few people around were in groups, obviously discussing the incident. Percy Okuofo, president of Redemption Youth Vocation Ministry (RYVM), described the incident as a rude shock, the group which organised the ill- fated send-forth, told newsmen that the late Reverend was an excellent example to the youths. According to him, “By Catholic rules, before one could become a priest, he must have undergone about nine years of intensive and rigorous training, which also involves an apostolic work in a Catholic church. This would enable him to get acquainted with all it takes to celebrate a mass and acquire more experience in the various aspects of church administration. For the late Rev he has already been ordained a deacon, and waiting to be ordained a priest next year. “Having completed the six weeks apostolic work at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church Agboju, the late Okafor was full of joy and was warming up to meet his family in Zaria. The Parish Priest Rev. Father Michael Okoh, the parishioners and the members of the church planned a colourful send- forth for him on Sunday, August 16, after which he would leave for further engagements.” Ahead of the proposed sent-forth party, the youths of the church under the umbrella of RSYVM, decided to organise the beach party for him. In tears, Okuofo said: “while some of the youths and the late Reverend were swimming, three of them, including the clergy were swept away by a strong current and vanished in the water. Onlookers and other swimmers were surprised at what had happened and immediately went on a rescue mission. “Luckily, some divers around were able to save two of the youths, a boy and a girl, while Okafor’s body could not be found. We kept monitoring the area till his bloated body surfaced.” During the Requiem Mass organised by the Parish, Rev Fr Michael Okoh, priest in-charge, described the late Okafor as an obedient servant of God and a hardworking gentleman who did his best to lift the church within the short period he came. Meanwhile, the Lagos state police command confirmed the incident and described it as unfortunate. The late Okafor who hailed from Anambra state, was trained by his single mother. He was to be ordained priest in July 2016, after about nine years training. It was also learnt that he was the only son of his parents. Pray for his soul to rest in peace and console the family. Source: NG Catholics/Facebook