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.