Tragedy Strikes New Year Mass: Catholic Priest Allegedly Shoots Boy in Imo State

A tragic incident marred the New Year Mass in Amaimo, Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, as a Catholic Reverend Father allegedly shot a boy dead after the latter set off knockouts within the church premises. The shocking event, which took place on January 1, 2025, has left the community reeling and sparked widespread reactions on social media.

Eyewitness Accounts and Unfolding Details

According to a Facebook post shared by “For The Love Of Anambra,” the priest, whose identity remains undisclosed, reportedly picked up a firearm and fatally shot the boy after the knockouts were ignited. The names of both the priest and the deceased have not yet been confirmed.

Eyewitnesses recounted the chaotic scene, describing the tragedy as a moment of horror during what was supposed to be a solemn occasion. “The incident has left the community in shock and mourning, with residents expressing outrage and demanding a thorough investigation to uncover the facts behind the unfortunate event,” the post read.

Police Response

The Imo State Police Command has acknowledged the incident and assured the public that an investigation is underway. Speaking to our correspondent, the command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, stated, “We have launched a detailed investigation to ascertain the remote facts surrounding the incident. Further development on the case will be communicated in due course, please.”

Public Outcry on Social Media

The incident has ignited intense debates on various social media platforms, with users expressing shock, outrage, and disbelief.

On Facebook, Malachy Chukwunyereugo commented, “He will spend the rest of his life in prison.” Another user, Lyn Chy, questioned the situation, saying, “The fact that a Reverend father owns a gun it’s somehow [sic].” Peace Ijeoma lamented, “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. Rip to the boy.”

On X (formerly Twitter), users also weighed in on the tragedy. Bloc Chief (@blochief) expressed astonishment: “I thought this happens in the USA? How can this happen in Imo? Mehn.” Another user, Rise Above Hat (@asababoi2man), speculated, “Maybe he has [been] abducted before by gunmen… so he felt the men are back… only God knows what he was thinking.”

Community Reactions

The incident has plunged the Amaimo community into grief, with residents demanding justice for the deceased and accountability from the priest. As the investigation continues, questions linger about the circumstances that led to the tragic event and the legality of the firearm in the priest’s possession.

A Call for Answers

The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the need for restraint and calm in volatile situations. As the Imo State Police delve deeper into the case, the public awaits answers to the many questions surrounding the tragic loss of life on what should have been a celebratory day.

Nollywood Star Jim Iyke Shares Profound Advice on Partner Choices for Ambitious Men

Renowned Nollywood actor Jim Iyke has started the year with thought-provoking advice aimed at men striving for success and focus. The celebrated actor took to his Instagram story to share a succinct yet impactful message, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right partner in life.

In his statement, Iyke underscored the critical role a partner plays in a man’s journey toward building a prosperous future. He urged men to be mindful of their choices, drawing a distinction between a supportive “queen” and a “clown” who might detract from their goals.

“A man whose focus is building an empire needs to either be single or be with a partner. This 💯. A queen and not a clown seeking attention from the entire village,” the actor wrote in his post.

A Peek Into Jim Iyke’s Personal Life

Jim Iyke, known for his charismatic roles and enigmatic personality, has remained notably private about his personal life. However, in 2022, he offered rare insights into his marital history during an interview, revealing that he had been married twice. Despite the dissolution of both unions, Iyke is a proud father to three children.

“I’ve been married twice. It didn’t work out. I have three kids now. The media and the public don’t know because I am very strategic and unpredictable about my private life,” Iyke shared.

Wisdom Born of Experience

Iyke’s message comes across as a reflection of his own experiences, blending personal insight with universal truths. His advice has sparked conversations online, with fans and followers applauding his candor and the depth of his perspective.

As the actor’s words continue to resonate with many, they serve as a reminder of the importance of intentionality in relationships, especially for individuals with ambitious goals. Whether building a career, family, or personal empire, Iyke’s sentiments highlight the value of choosing a partner who uplifts and complements one’s vision.

Gospel Legend Deborah Fasoyin Reflects on the Legacy of Odun Lo Sopin

For decades, the soulful and deeply spiritual song Odun Lo Sopin (“The Year is Coming to an End”) has been a beloved anthem in Nigerian households, churches, and gatherings as the calendar approaches December’s close. Yet, in a recent revelation, Mrs. Deborah Fasoyin, the gospel icon who popularized the track, has disclosed that she is not the original composer of the timeless piece.

Speaking in an interview shared online by FM 365 and reported by Church Times Nigeria, Fasoyin clarified that the song predates her choir’s iconic 1979 recording. “I must confess to you, till tomorrow, we don’t know the composer of the song. We only added two verses to it,” she revealed.

Fasoyin’s rendition of Odun Lo Sopin with the Good Women Choir of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Ibadan, brought the song into national prominence. But as she explained, the chorus was already a staple in CAC churches across Ibadan during revival programs held towards the end of the year. “In those days, whenever they had revival programs towards the end of the year, you’d hear people sing the song Odun Lo Sopin. That chorus belongs to CAC. We only added two verses,” she stated.

She reiterated this in the Yoruba language during the interview, emphasizing, “We didn’t go to any mountain to pray to get the song. It was everywhere before we recorded it.”

A Legacy Beyond Attribution

Despite Fasoyin’s repeated acknowledgments over the years that she did not compose Odun Lo Sopin, the song remains inextricably tied to her name. Online commentators have supported her account, with some recalling that the track was widely sung as early as 1975, four years before the Good Women Choir’s recording. Nevertheless, fans and admirers have praised her honesty, commending her transparency and humility in publicly sharing the song’s origins.

“Her honesty is refreshing,” noted one social media user, while another added, “She gave life to the song and made it what it is today. That’s also worth celebrating.”

The Good Women Choir’s version of Odun Lo Sopin added structured verses and a polished melody that resonated deeply with audiences. The song’s themes of reflection, prayer, and hope for divine protection and guidance have cemented its place as a cherished tradition, transcending generations and languages. In a 2020 interview with Sunday Scoop, Fasoyin spoke about how the song has been translated into several Nigerian languages, further broadening its reach and impact.

A Timeless Tradition

As the year draws to a close, the familiar strains of Odun Lo Sopin once again fill the air, evoking a sense of communal reflection and gratitude. While its true composer remains unknown, Fasoyin’s contribution to the song’s enduring legacy cannot be overstated. Her interpretation not only preserved the track but elevated it to an art form that continues to inspire millions.

The enduring relevance of Odun Lo Sopin serves as a testament to the power of music to connect generations and foster a shared sense of hope and faith. For Fasoyin, her role in the song’s history is a source of pride, even as she continues to emphasize the collaborative nature of its origins.

“It’s not about who composed it,” she said. “It’s about the message and the blessing it brings to people.”