The Irish engineer, Robert Gray, killed by bandits in Taraba state, north eastern Nigeria had worked for a number of years in Nigeria in road construction projects with Irish company PW, the Irish Independent newspaper has reported.
“He was married to a nurse, Westport native Jeanette Kearns, and the couple have twin daughters who are due to start secondary school next week.
“Mr Gray, originally from the Horkans Hill area of the town, was home earlier this year for his daughter’s Confirmation.
According to the newspaper, Gray had recently expressed concerns about his safety in Nigeria and was considering moving home.
Westport parish priest Fr Karl Burns visited Mr Gray’s devastated family after they received the news late last night.
“News of this tragedy is only seeping out today and it’s a great blow for the family,” Fr Burns said. “It is a very sensitive time, and they need privacy and our prayers.”
Junior minister and local TD Michael Ring, who knows the family well, said the close-knit community was in mourning.
“The whole town is shocked. The family is very well respected,” he said.
Fianna Fail town councillor Brendan Mulroy grew up beside Mr Gray in Westport.
“The whole area is just devastated by the news. We all knew Robert very well. Even though he had worked abroad for years, because his family still lives in the town he was still part of the community.
“I remember growing up on Horkans Hill, Robert was very highly respected and he always looked out for the younger lads on the estate,” Mr Mulroy said.
Mr Gray’s wife works as a nurse in the MacBride Nursing Home.
A spokesman at the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed it was providing consular assistance to Mr Gray’s family.
His body is expected to be repatriated early next week.
PW has been involved in road construction projects in Nigeria for more than 30 years. It is part of a larger group that is involved in mining, water treatment plants and laying oil and gas pipes.
It was founded in 1948 and was one of the largest civil engineering companies in Ireland.
Reported by Irish Independent newspaper
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