A Catholic priest has been arrested following a tragic shooting incident that left one young man dead and another injured on New Year’s Eve at St. Columba’s Catholic Church in Amaimo, Ikeduru Local Government Area.
Father Joseph Enyinaya, the parish priest, was taken into custody by the Imo State Police on January 2, after a series of events that unfolded as fireworks were set off inside the church on December 31.
Reports indicate that in an attempt to disperse a group of boys igniting the fireworks, Father Enyinaya fired shots into the air. However, in a chaotic turn, he allegedly lost control of the weapon, resulting in injuries to the boys.
The Archdiocese of Owerri has since expressed deep regret over the incident. In a statement dated January 2, Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru ‘Ugorji said, “The Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri highly regrets the shooting incident that took place on the eve of the New Year at the premises of St. Columba’s Catholic Church Amaimo, leading to the death of a young man and the wounding of another.”
He further extended condolences to the bereaved family and stated, “We pray for the happy repose of the dead, and the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Archbishop ‘Ugorji called for calm within the parish community, urging all involved to refrain from escalating tensions: “We, therefore, call for calm at St. Columba’s Parish, Amaimo.”
