A Catholic priest in Amaimo, Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, has been accused of fatally shooting a boy who set off knockouts during a New Year Mass on January 1, 2025.
The incident, which has left the community in shock and mourning, reportedly occurred after the boy ignited the knockouts within the church premises. Eyewitness accounts shared on social media claim the priest, whose identity remains undisclosed, retrieved a firearm and shot the boy.
The incident was highlighted in a Facebook post by the page For The Love of Anambra. However, details such as the priest’s name, his parish, and the identity of the victim remain unverified.
Speaking on the matter, Henry Okoye, spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, confirmed awareness of the incident and stated that an investigation is underway. “We have launched a detailed investigation to ascertain the remote facts surrounding the incident. Further developments will be communicated in due course,” Okoye assured.
The event has sparked outrage on social media, with many users questioning how a priest came to possess a firearm.
A Facebook user, Malachy Chukwunyereugo, commented, “He will spend the rest of his life in prison.” Another user, Lyn Chy, expressed disbelief, saying, “The fact that a Reverend Father owns a gun is somehow.”
On X (formerly Twitter), reactions ranged from shock to speculation. A user, Bloc Chief, wrote, “I thought this happens in the USA? How can this happen in Imo?” Another, Rise Above Hat, speculated, “Maybe he has been abducted before by gunmen… so he felt the men are back. Only God knows what he was thinking.”
The tragedy has raised questions about firearm ownership among clergy and the circumstances leading to such an extreme response. As investigations continue, the community awaits answers and justice for the deceased boy.