A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Joseph Enyinnaya, has been arrested in Imo State for allegedly shooting a teenage boy dead after he set off knockouts inside the church during the New Year Mass.
The incident occurred on January 1, 2025, at St. Columbus Catholic Church in Amaimo, Ikeduru Local Government Area.
A local resident stated that the priest, in an attempt to disperse a group of boys setting off fireworks inside the church, fired several shots into the air.
“The gun malfunctioned, and while the priest was checking the firearm, it accidentally discharged, hitting one of the boys,” the resident explained.
The community is in shock and mourning, with residents expressing outrage and calling for a thorough investigation into the incident.
Imo State Police Command spokesperson, Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident to LIB, stating that an investigation is underway.
“We have launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the full circumstances of the incident. Updates on the case will be provided in due course,” the PPRO said.
