The Catholic archdiocese of Owerri has confirmed the killing of a young boy by a priest at St. Columbus Catholic Church in Amaimo area of Imo state.
The priest, identified as Joseph Enyinaya, was arrested by the police after shooting the boy, who reportedly set off fireworks within the church premises on New Year eve.
In a statement on Friday, Lucius Ugorji, the archbishop of Owerri diocese, expressed regret over the incident.
He extended condolences to the family of the deceased and called for calm.
“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 the wounding of another,” the statement reads.
“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.”
Henry Okoye, police spokesperson in the state, said that investigation into the incident has commenced.
Okoye noted that the remains of the victim has been transferred to a nearby morgue.
