Abuja, NIGERIA — A Catholic priest has been accused of committing what some are calling a “holy murder” after allegedly fatally shooting a boy who set off fireworks within the church grounds during a New Year’s Day mass. The incident took place on January 1, 2025, at a church in Amaimo, located in the Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria. The event has sparked widespread outrage on social media.
The identities of both the priest and the deceased have not yet been confirmed. However, an eyewitness account shared on the Facebook page For The Love Of Anambra described the events, stating that after the boy set off the fireworks, the priest, whose name remains undisclosed, retrieved a firearm and shot him dead. The eyewitnesses have referred to the tragic incident as a “holy murder” due to its association with a religious figure taking the life of a young boy.
This shocking event has left the local community in mourning, with many residents demanding a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The Imo State Police Command has confirmed that it is investigating the incident. Henry Okoye, the police spokesperson, stated on Thursday that authorities are conducting a detailed inquiry to determine the facts surrounding the case. “We have launched a thorough investigation to ascertain the full details of what transpired,” Okoye said, adding that further updates will be provided as the investigation unfolds.
The incident has prompted a wave of reactions online. One Facebook user, Malachy Chukwunyereugo, expressed disbelief, commenting, “He will spend the rest of his life in prison.” Another user, Lyn Chy, raised concerns about the priest’s possession of a firearm, writing, “The fact that a Reverend father owns a gun is somehow troubling.”
Peace Ijeoma, another social media user, criticized the defense of the priest by some religious followers, writing, “It’s disheartening to see how religious bigots are defending the priest. May we try to be lovers of God and not lovers of the men of God this 2025. Rest in peace to the boy.”
On X (formerly Twitter), users also shared their shock. One tweet from user #blochief said, “I thought this happens in the USA? How can this happen in Imo? Mehn.” Another user, #asababoi2man, speculated, “Maybe he’s been abducted before by gunmen… so he felt the men are back. Only God knows what he was thinking.”
As the investigation continues, many are questioning the safety and morality of religious figures wielding firearms, with some calling this tragic incident a “holy murder” that demands swift justice and accountability.
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