The Imo state police command says it has arrested a Catholic priest identified as Joseph Enyinaya, in connection with the murder of a boy in his church.
Newsonspot gathered that the boy was reportedly shot by the priest on December 31, after he set off fireworks inside the St. Columbus Catholic Church in Amaimo Ikeduru LGA of the state.
Henry Okoye, police spokesperson in the state, said that the suspect was arrested on Thursday and that an investigation has been launched into the matter.
Okoye added that the remains of the victim has been deposited to a morgue in the nearby Atta Ikeduru community.
“The priest has been arrested, and the body of the boy has been deposited at a mortuary in Atta Ikeduru,” Okoye said.
“The police has launched a detailed investigation has been initiated to ascertain the remote facts surrounding the incident.”
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.”
The police spokesperson assured residents of the state that details of the case will be communicated as investigation continues.
