Amaimo, Imo state – Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri has confirmed the fatal shooting incident involving Reverend Father Joseph Enyinaya in Imo state which led to the death of a teenager who allegedly threw knockouts (commonly called ‘banger’) into the church premises.
Legit.ng reports that the incident happened at St. Columba’s Catholic Church Amaimo in Ikeduru local government area (LGA) of Imo state.
Imo: Owerri Catholic Archdiocese mourns slain teenager
An official letter personally signed by the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri, Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, on Thursday, January 2, confirmed the incident.
The boy was reportedly shot by the priest during the New Year mass.
Henry Okoye, police spokesperson in the state, disclosed that the suspect was arrested on Thursday, January 2, and that an investigation has been launched into the matter.
Reacting, the Owerri Catholic Archdiocese called for a thorough investigation into the tragedy.
As reported on Friday, January 3, by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), urged calm in the community.
The statement partly reads:
“The Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri highly regrets the shooting incident that took place on the eve of the New Year at the premises of St. Columba’s Catholic Church Amaimo, leading to the death of a young man and leading to the wounding of another.
“The Archdiocese of Owerri condoles with the bereaved family and prays for the happy repose of the dead, and the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Read the Archdiocese of Owerri’s full statement below:
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