The Parish priest of St Columbus Catholic Church, Amaimo community in Ikeduru LGA of Imo state has allegedly shot and killed a young worshipper who was said to had been throwing pyrotechnics popularly known as fireworks or knock out during the new year church service.
Another Parishioner who was also reported to had been hit by the bullet from the Rev Father’s Double Barrel gun was hospitalised.
It was gathered that the incident which allegedly happened after the December 31st crossover mass had created pandemonium in the area.
Sources said that the Priest mistook the sound of the fireworks to be that of invaders and in a bid for self defense fired in the air which allegedly claimed the life of a worshipper and wounded one. A man and woman were said to be the victims.
Meanwhile, another source who confirmed the incident said that the Priest was handed over to the police by a Politician in whose home the Priest ran for refuge ,a night after.
He is presently reported to be in the police custody, and more inquires revealed that while one person died on the spot, the other victim was hospitalized at an undisclosed hospital.
The source also said ” the Priest mistook the sound of the fireworks to be that of a gun. He went into his room, brought out his licensed Double Barrel gun, shot in the air to scare people away.
” The bullet mistakenly hit two persons. One died on the spot while the other person who was injured was rushed to a hospital where he is currently receiving medical attention.
The remains of the deceased have been deposited in a morgue. The Priest is with the police now”, he stated .
The spokesperson for the Police in Imo state, Henry Okoye, when contacted confirmed the incident.
In a WhatsApp message on Thursday in Owerri, Okoye, informed journalists that the matter was being investigated by the Police.
Responding to an inquiry, the police spokesperson wrote ” Yes. A detailed investigation has been initiated to ascertain the remote facts surrendering the incident. Further development on the case will be communicated in due course, please.”
Meanwhile, another source revealed that the Priest was making plans to celebrate his twenty five years Priesthood anniversary, the next day before the unfortunate incident happened.
