Nigeria: grief and dismay over church shooting
Fides Agency reports the Nigerian diocese’s reactions to the shooting that claimed the life of a boy
(L.M.) “The Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri expresses deep regret over the shooting that occurred on New Year’s Eve at St. Columbus Catholic Church in Amaimo, which resulted in the death of one young man and the wounding of another,” reads the Jan. 2 message signed by Lucius I. Ugorji, Archbishop of Owerri.
“The Archdiocese of Owerri expresses its condolences to the bereaved family and prays for the eternal rest of the deceased and the prompt recovery of the injured,” the message continues. “Meanwhile, the Police are investigating the incident and the circumstances surrounding it. Therefore, we ask parishioners to live in calm,” the message concludes.
According to press sources, police arrested the pastor, Fr. Joseph Enyinaya, in connection with the killing of the boy. The latter was allegedly killed on Dec. 31 after setting off fireworks inside St. Columbus Catholic Church in Amaimo Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State (southeastern Nigeria).
Police in Imo State announced that the suspect was arrested yesterday, Jan. 2, and an investigation into the shooting has been launched. According to a witness, the priest, in an attempt to disperse a group of boys who were shooting fireworks inside the church, fired a few shots into the air, but then lost control of the weapon and ended up hitting the boys.
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