A Catholic priest, Father Joseph Enyinaya, has been arrested and detained by the Imo State Police Command in connection with the tragic shooting of a boy at St. Columbus Catholic Church, Amaimo, Ikeduru Local Government Area.
The incident occurred on January 1, 2025, during the New Year Mass as worshippers gathered to celebrate the end of the year.
According to police spokesperson Henry Okoye, the altercation began when the boy set off fireworks, also known as knockouts, during the service.
The priest, reportedly angered by the action, allegedly picked up a firearm and shot the boy fatally.
The body of the deceased has been taken to a mortuary in Atta Ikeduru for further investigation.
Eyewitness accounts shared on social media platforms, including a Facebook post by ‘For The Love Of Anambra,’ corroborated the police statement, noting that the shooting occurred after the fireworks were set off.
The incident has sparked widespread reactions online and raised concerns over the escalation of violence in a place of worship.
Okoye assured the public that the police are thoroughly investigating the matter and are committed to uncovering the full details of the tragedy.
He urged residents to remain calm as the investigation progresses and promised that more information would be provided in due course.
