A tragic incident on New Year’s Eve at St. Columba’s Catholic Church in Amaimo, Imo State, has left a young boy dead after being shot by a priest, Joseph Enyinaya.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri confirmed the incident, stating that the boy had reportedly set off fireworks within the church premises before the shooting occurred. The priest has since been arrested by the police.
Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of the Owerri Diocese expressed profound regret in a statement released on Friday. “The Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri deeply regrets the shooting incident on the eve of the New Year at St. Columba’s Catholic Church Amaimo, which led to the death of a young man and injuries to another,” the statement read.
The Archbishop extended condolences to the grieving family, prayed for the deceased’s soul, and wished the injured a swift recovery.
Henry Okoye, spokesperson for the state police, confirmed that investigations are ongoing and said the victim’s remains have been moved to a nearby morgue.
