The parish priest of St Columbus Catholic Church in Amaimo (name withheld) in the Ikeduru local government area of Imo state is currently being held for shooting dead a young worshipper over panic during fireworks.
The incident occurred during the December 31st crossover mass and has thrown the community into mourning even as investigations are ongoing.
Sources said the Rev Fr had mistook the fireworks sound inside the church premises as a gunshot and used his licenced gun to fire a warning shot to scare away the perceived intruders, who he thought were fleeing gunmen trying to attack the church and worshippers.
A source who pleaded anonymity told leadership that the priest was in police custody, as one person died on the spot while another person was receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital within the state.
He said, “The Rev Fr mistook the sound of the fireworks to be that of a gun and immediately went into his room, brought out his licensed double-barreled rifle, and shot into the air to scare away the supposed gunmen. His action was triggered by the attacks on priests by gunmen.
He said, “Unfortunately, the bullet fell downwards and mistakenly hit two persons. One died on the spot, while the other person who was injured was rushed to a hospital, where he is currently receiving medical attention. The corpse of the deceased has been deposited at a morgue, while the priest is in police custody now”, he said.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Imo state police command, Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident.
In a WhatsApp message, he said, “Yes. A detailed investigation has been initiated to ascertain the incident’s remote facts. Please be aware that further development on the case will be communicated in due course.”
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