- Reverend Enyinnaya of Saint Columbus Catholic Church was arrested for allegedly killing a boy with an accidental gunshot during a New Year's Eve mass
- The shooting reportedly occurred after a boy threw fireworks inside the church, defying the priest's warning
- Witnesses stated that the priest fired his revolver to scare the boys, unintentionally causing the fatal incident
A Catholic priest, Reverend Enyinnaya, of St. Columbus Catholic Church in Amaimo, Ikeduru Local Government Area, Imo State, was arrested by the police for allegedly killing a boy during a New Year’s Eve mass.
According to reports, the incident happened when the boy threw a firework, known as a knockout or banger, inside the church. The Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, confirmed the arrest on Thursday, December 2.
Police confirm ongoing investigation into fatal shooting
Okoye said, “We are aware of the incident. The priest is in custody and investigation is going on to ascertain the remote facts surrounding the incident.
“Further development on the case will be communicated in due course, please.”
An anonymous source revealed that the incident occurred during the crossover night service when Reverend Enyinnaya had warned youths not to throw fireworks inside the church grounds.
Priest accidentally shoots boy after firework incident in church
Despite the warning, one boy ignored the priest's directive and threw a firework into the church. Enraged by the defiance, the priest allegedly drew his revolver, and fired into the air, but accidentally shot the boy. Others present were also reported to have sustained injuries.
An indigent who also witnessed the event, corroborated the account, noting that the priest intended to scare the boys away with the gunshot which resulted in the death of a boy while several others were injured.
Ogun Govt suspends teacher who allegedly flogged student to death
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Ogun State Government suspended a teacher who allegedly flogged a student to death.
The principal, Mrs Tamrat Onaolapo was queried over allowing such corporal punishment, which was against the state’s rules and regulations.