SHOCKING! Catholic Priest Allegedly Shoots Young Boy To Death In Imo [See Details]
A Catholic Reverend Father allegedly shot a boy dead after he set off fireworks during the New Year Mass on January 1, 2025, in Amaimo, Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State.
A tragic incident allegedly unfolded on the night of December 31, 2024, during the crossover service to usher in the New Year at St. Columba’s Catholic Church, Amaimo, in Ikeduru Local Government Area, Imo State.
Reports indicate that Fr. Joseph Enyiaka, a Catholic priest, purportedly shot a young boy following the ignition of a firework, locally known as a “banger,” within the church premises.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the loud sound of the firework startled or provoked the priest, leading to the alleged shooting.
The young boy, whose name was not disclosed at the time of this report, was reportedly struck in the head by a bullet and died instantly.
This horrifying event has plunged the Amaimo community into shock and drawn widespread condemnation from both locals and observers nationwide.
Efforts to reach the Imo State Police Public Relations Department for an official statement have so far yielded no response, leaving the public clamoring for clarity and accountability.
In a Facebook post shared on Wednesday through the ‘For The Love Of Anambra’ page, the priest whose identity remains unknown shot the boy within the church premises.
It noted that the event sent shock waves through the community.
“The incident has left the community in shock and mourning, with residents expressing outrage and demanding a thorough investigation to uncover the facts behind the unfortunate event,” the post partly reads.
Reacting to the incident, a Facebook user, Buka Tee, wrote, “Please let there be proper and comprehensive investigation regarding this Matter. It should not be swept under the carpet. It’s highly and gravely disheartening.”
Another user, Malachy Chukwunyereugo, wrote, “He will spend the rest of his life in prison.”
Icha Joseph wrote, “The Rev father acted in self defense, Rev fathers are been murdered everyday in the east they can’t be too careful, moreso the Nigerian police ban those act of barbarism called knockouts especially during these times of rampant insecurities.”
A user, Steve Idealmann wrote, “The father shouldn’t be judged considering what happened in my church yesterday, people are becoming cra-zy as the day goes by, how can you target fireworks at worshippers during service rather than towards the sky it was meant for?
“Everyone needs to talk to his children/wards, it’s becoming unbearable.”
Another Facebook user, Elochukwu Obiegbu said, “Who gave the Rev father a gun or who licenced a gun to him, that is the first question to be directed to the priest.”
Eno Queen Ekong wrote, “Him neva talk wetin make am kpai dat smor boy yet.
Him fit don try to do d boy dat side,him no gree,so him use knock out excuse kpai am.
Who no dey throw knock out for festive season?
I said what i said,
Period!!!!”
Kingsliano Sodo wrote, “So much blood flowing in the state everyone is now blind by the so many innocent young blood split and flowing like water on every part of imo state shadows of death everywhere lives is now easy to caught short everyday in imo state where there’s no war thanks to the number 4 that became number 1and APC Nigeria …”
Stella Buchi said, “The one in our parish last October I saw him during station of the procession with his pistle tied in his waist since then I have not gone to mass.”
Mayor Callistus Amadi admonished, “Before you comment rubbish, you should know that some priests are military priests and you don’t mess up around them anyhow like the way you can mess up with some ordinary priests that are not military priests.
I have stayed with a military priest, they’re just like military men.”
Fireworks, a popular yet controversial aspect of festive celebrations in Nigeria, have long been associated with safety risks and disputes, particularly in crowded or sensitive environments.
This tragic event has reignited calls for stricter regulation and enforcement to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Videos of the tragic incident have since gone viral on social media, further fueling public outrage and demands for justice.
As investigations continue, authorities are under pressure to ensure a thorough inquiry and provide a clear account of what transpired.
The public is also calling for justice for the deceased boy and accountability for the alleged actions of the priest.
