A Catholic priest, Joseph Enyiaka, has been arrested by police for allegedly shooting and killing a young boy who fired crackers on his church premises during the celebration of the New Year.
The Parish Priest of St. Columba Catholic Church, Amaimo, in Ikeduru Council of Imo is reportedly now helping the police in the investigation of the death.
“Yes. A detailed investigation has been initiated to ascertain the remote facts surrounding the incident,” State Police Command Public Relations Officer Henry Okoye disclosed in a statement.
“Further development on the case will be communicated in due course, please.”
A resident in the village who spoke on condition of anonymity recounted to Vanguard that “What started like a usual New Year celebration, sadly turned into a tragedy, as our parish priest reportedly shot a young boy in the church compound.
“There was the usual midnight Mass scheduled in the parish that night. For inexplicable reasons, a good number of people stormed the church compound with all manner of explosives.
“The explosions were not only so much that it was difficult to properly ascertain what was being exploded, but also sent palpable fear into the congregation.
“[The priest], sensing a probable worse scenario from what was playing out, picked up his arm in readiness.
“Although I cannot say what happened before the priest fired a shot, everything changed when news of the death of a boy rent the air.
“The Eucharistic Celebration ended abruptly and the worshippers scampered to safety.”
On the relationship between the priest and the community, the source said: “He is quite a jolly good fellow. He has done so well in our parish. He has completed and dedicated our parish church.
“The cleric celebrated the silver jubilee of his ordination as a Catholic priest the previous day, before this tragedy.”
It was learnt that the remains of the boy have been deposited in a morgue in a neighbouring community while police investigation continues.
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