Reverend Father Allegedly Shoots Boy Dead Over Fireworks During New Year Service

A tragic incident occurred during the New Year Mass on January 1, 2025, in Amaimo, Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, when a Catholic Reverend Father allegedly shot a boy dead after the latter set off fireworks within the church premises.  

The priest’s name, parish, and the identity of the deceased are yet to be disclosed. Eyewitness accounts shared on social media suggest that the priest, startled by the fireworks, picked up a firearm and fatally shot the boy.  

The incident has left the community in shock, with residents mourning and demanding a thorough investigation. A Facebook post via the handle “For The Love Of Anambra” quoted witnesses and described the event as “unfortunate and tragic.”  

The Imo State Police Command confirmed the incident. The spokesperson, Henry Okoye, stated, “We have launched a detailed investigation to ascertain the remote facts surrounding the incident. Further developments will be communicated in due course.”  

Netizen reactions, ranging from outrage to disbelief:  

– Malachy Chukwunyereugo on Facebook wrote, “He will spend the rest of his life in prison.”  

– Lyn Chy remarked, “The fact that a Reverend Father owns a gun it’s somehow [sic].”  

– Another user, Peace Ijeoma, added, “It’s disheartening to see how religious bigots are defending the priest. May we try to be lovers of God and not lovers of the men of God this 2025. RIP to the boy.”  

On X (formerly Twitter), users also expressed their shock:  

– Bloc Chief tweeted, “I thought this happens in the USA? How can this happen in Imo? Mehn.”  

– Rise above hat, tweeting as #asababoi2man, speculated, “Maybe he has [been] abducted before by gunmen… so he felt the men are back. Only God knows what he was thinking.”  

The incident has raised questions about gun ownership among clergy members and the responsibility of religious leaders in crisis situations. The community awaits further updates from the police investigation.