Rev. Father Joseph Enyinaya, parish priest of St. Colombus Catholic Church in Obodo Amaimo, has been alleged to have shot and killed two individuals during New Year’s Eve celebrations. The incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday night around 10:45 PM as residents celebrated the occasion with traditional fireworks, known locally as “knockouts.”
According to a social media post by an eyewitness, Okechukwu Igboke Uzo, the priest fired a cartridge gun at three boys who had set off fireworks near the church premises. Uzo shared a video related to the incident, expressing concern over the violent escalation that took place during what should have been a festive occasion.
“The parish priest of St. Columbus Catholic Amaimo Ikeduru gunned down three boys for shooting knockouts around the church on New Year’s Day celebration,” Uzo wrote in his post, which has since drawn significant attention.
The Imo State Police have confirmed that Father Enyinaya has been taken into custody. Police spokesperson Henry Okoye provided updates on the situation, stating that the bodies of the deceased have been recovered and taken to the Atta Ikeduru Mortuary for further examination.
“The priest has been arrested, and a detailed investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident,” Okoye said, emphasizing that authorities aim to clarify what led to the confrontation that ended in violence.
