A Holy Mass celebration to mark the crossover to the New Year 2025 turned bloody when a boy was allegedly shot dead by a Nigerian Catholic priest, Joseph Enyiaka for setting off firecrackers within a church premises.
The Holy Mass was held at St. Colombus Parish Amaimo, a community in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, South-east Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the incident has been confirmed by an assistant superintendent of police and the police spokesperson in Imo State, Mr Okoye.
In a statement on Thursday, Mr Okoye said the Catholic priest, “currently in our custody,” adding that “detailed investigation has been initiated to ascertain the remote facts surrounding the incident.”
Asked about the circumstances of the incident and how the cleric got the rifle, Mr Okoye said, “I don’t know if the act was intentional. I don’t think so. But we are still investigating.”
The Nigeria Police Force has banned fireworks, which are often set off during Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Aboki Danjuma, had, on 1 December 2024, reiterated the ban on the sale, use, and distribution of firecrackers in the state.
“This measure, in place for some time, is essential for public safety, preventing injuries, and reducing the risks of fires and accidents caused by fireworks,” Mr Danjuma had said.
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