By Chinagorom Ugwu
A Nigerian Catholic priest, Joseph Enyiaka, has allegedly shot a boy dead after the latter set off firecrackers within a church premises.
Premium Times learned that the incident happened during a Holy Mass celebration, marking the crossover to the New Year 2025.
Sources said the Holy Mass was conducted at St Columbus Parish Amaimo, in Ikeduru, Imo State, South-east Nigeria.
However, Premium Times could not confirm the name of the slain victim by the time this report was filed.
Henry Okoye, the state’s police spokesperson, confirmed the development in a message on Thursday.
“A detailed investigation has been initiated to ascertain the remote facts surrounding the incident,” Okoye, said.
The police spokesperson said the police have arrested the Catholic priest over the incident. And when asked about the circumstances of the incident and how the cleric got the rifle.
“I don’t know if the act was intentional. I don’t think so. But we are still investigating,” he responded.
The Nigeria Police Force has banned fireworks, which are often set off during Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.
The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Aboki Danjuma, had on 1 December 2024 reiterated the ban on the sale, use, and distribution of firecrackers in the state.
“This measure, in place for some time, is essential for public safety, preventing injuries, and reducing the risks of fires and accidents caused by fireworks,” Danjuma had said.
