BREAKING: Catholic Priest Arrested for Shooting Boy Dead

A Nigerian Catholic priest, Joseph Enyiaka, has allegedly shot a boy dead after the latter set off firecrackers within a church premises.

The incident occurred during a Holy Mass celebration marking the transition to the New Year 2025.

Sources revealed that the Holy Mass took place at St. Colombus Parish, Amaimo, a community in the Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, South East Nigeria and at the time of this report, the name of the the deceased can’t be confirmed.

Henry Okoye, the police spokesperson in Imo State, confirmed the incident in a message on Thursday.

“A detailed investigation has been initiated to ascertain the underlying facts surrounding the event,” said Mr Okoye, an assistant superintendent of police.

The police spokesperson informed PREMIUM TIMES that the Catholic priest has been arrested in connection with the incident.

“He’s currently in our custody,” Mr Okoye stated regarding the priest.

When asked about the circumstances of the incident and how the cleric obtained the rifle, Mr Okoye replied, “I cannot say if the act was intentional. I don’t think so, but we are still investigating.”

The Nigeria Police Force has imposed a ban on fireworks, which are commonly used during Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Aboki Danjuma, reiterated the ban on the sale, use, and distribution of firecrackers in the state on 1 December 2024.