Imo State, Nigeria – The Catholic priest who allegedly shot a teenage boy dead at St. Columbus Catholic Church in Amaimo, Ikeduru Local Government Area, Nigeria, has been identified and arrested. Rev. Fr. Joseph Enyinnaya is in police custody following the tragic incident on January 1, 2025, during the church’s New Year Mass.
Eyewitnesses have revealed the horrifying chain of events that led to the death of the 15-year-old boy, whose identity remains undisclosed. According to reports, a group of young boys gathered outside the church premises to celebrate the New Year by setting off knockouts, a common practice in the region. However, the loud explosions disrupted the Mass, causing panic and disturbing worshippers.
In an attempt to restore order, Fr. Enyinnaya reportedly fired a shot into the air, presumably to scare the boys into ceasing their activities. However, one eyewitness, speaking under the condition of anonymity, recounted the shocking sequence of events that followed.
“The priest fired some shots into the air to scare the boys away, but something went wrong. The gun jammed, and while he was trying to fix it, the weapon accidentally discharged, hitting one of the boys in the chest,” the resident recalled.
The teenager was immediately rushed to the hospital, but tragically, he was pronounced dead upon arrival. The incident has left the community in shock and mourning, as residents struggle to come to terms with the senseless death of a young life during what should have been a joyful occasion.
The Imo State Police Command spokesperson, Henry Okoye, confirmed Fr. Enyinnaya’s arrest and assured the public that a full investigation into the incident was underway. “We have launched a detailed investigation to ascertain the facts surrounding the tragic event. The investigation is ongoing, and we will provide updates in due course,” Okoye stated. He declined to offer further details on the priest’s detention or the specifics of the probe.
As news of the shooting spread, outrage erupted across Amaimo and beyond. Local leaders have expressed deep concern over the incident and are calling for accountability. Many residents gathered at the church to mourn the loss of the young boy, with some demanding the immediate suspension of Fr. Enyinnaya pending the results of the investigation.
One local resident, visibly emotional, shared their disbelief: “This is unthinkable. A priest, someone we look to for spiritual guidance, is responsible for this tragedy. The family of the boy is devastated, and we need justice.”
The Archdiocese of Owerri, which oversees St. Columbus Catholic Church, has yet to issue an official statement on the matter. However, calls for the church to take swift action against Fr. Enyinnaya have grown louder, with many concerned about the safety of worshippers in their places of worship.
The tragic incident has left the entire community in shock, with many questioning how a New Year celebration could devolve into such a heartbreaking event. As the investigation continues, the people of Amaimo are left to grapple with the loss of a young life at the hands of a man entrusted with their spiritual well-being.
The outcome of the ongoing probe is expected to have significant repercussions, not only for Fr. Enyinnaya but also for the local church and law enforcement authorities in Imo State. As residents continue to demand justice, all eyes remain on the investigation, which will reveal the full details behind this disturbing tragedy.
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