A tragic incident occurred during the New Year Mass on January 1, 2025, at Amaimo, Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, where a Catholic priest reportedly shot and killed a boy who set off knockouts within the church premises.
Details about the priest’s identity, parish, and the name of the deceased remain unverified. However, the incident has sparked widespread outrage and mourning in the local community, with many calling for an in-depth investigation to uncover the truth.
In a Facebook post shared via the handle For The Love Of Anambra, eyewitness accounts claimed that the priest, whose name remains undisclosed, responded to the knockouts by allegedly retrieving a firearm and shooting the boy.
When contacted, the Imo State Police Command spokesperson, Henry Okoye, confirmed that the command was aware of the incident and had launched a detailed investigation.
“We have commenced an investigation to ascertain the facts surrounding this unfortunate event,” Okoye stated. “Further updates will be communicated as we proceed.”
The shocking event has triggered heated reactions across social media platforms.
A Facebook user, Malachy Chukwunyereugo, condemned the act, writing, “He will spend the rest of his life in prison.” Another user, Lyn Chy, questioned, “The fact that a Reverend Father owns a gun is somehow [sic].”
Similarly, Peace Ijeoma commented, “It’s disheartening to see how religious bigots are defending the priest. May we strive to love God rather than idolize men of God in 2025. Rest in peace to the boy.”
On X (formerly Twitter), users expressed shock and disbelief. Bloc Chief tweeted, “I thought this only happens in the USA? How can this happen in Imo? Mehn.”
Another tweep, Rise above hat, speculated, “Maybe he’s been abducted before by gunmen… Only God knows what he was thinking.”
The incident continues to generate discussions online as investigations unfold.
