The peaceful atmosphere of a New Year celebration in the small town of Amaimo, in the Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, was shattered when a tragic incident occurred at St. Columba Catholic Church. The parish priest, Rev. Fr. Joseph Enyiaka, was arrested after a young boy was shot dead during what was meant to be a joyful midnight Mass.
The shooting took place in the church compound during the traditional New Year service, which had begun with the usual solemnity and anticipation of the holy Eucharistic celebration. However, what began as a night of worship quickly turned into a nightmare for the worshippers, as explosions and gunfire sent shockwaves through the congregation.
The incident, which has left the community in shock and mourning, unfolded shortly after the midnight Mass began. According to eyewitnesses, a number of explosive devices were detonated near the church compound, causing panic among the worshippers.
One local resident, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, described the scene as chaotic. “It started like a regular celebration, but the situation escalated when some people began throwing explosives around the church,” the villager said. “The explosions were so loud and constant that it was difficult to figure out what was happening. The priest, sensing that things might get out of hand, picked up his gun.”
The source added that while no one could immediately explain why Fr. Enyiaka fired a shot, the tragedy struck when it was confirmed that a young boy had been killed.
The unidentified boy, whose age and identity are yet to be fully disclosed, was reportedly struck by a bullet fired by the priest in the confusion. The Eucharistic Mass abruptly ended, and worshippers scattered in fear, while some tried to help the boy. However, it was too late—the young victim was confirmed dead by medical personnel shortly thereafter.
In a statement issued by the Imo State Police Command, spokesperson Mr. Henry Okoye confirmed the arrest of Fr. Enyiaka, adding that the police were investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. “Yes, we have arrested the priest in connection with the death of the boy,” Okoye said. “A thorough investigation is ongoing to determine the exact sequence of events and whether the use of a firearm was justified. More details will be provided as the investigation unfolds.”
Local residents expressed a mixture of shock and disbelief at the tragedy. Several described Fr. Enyiaka as a well-respected and jovial figure in the community. “He’s a good man. He’s done a lot for the church. He completed the new church building and celebrated his silver jubilee as a priest just the day before this happened,” another villager recalled. “It’s hard to believe that something like this could happen in our church.”
The parish priest, who is well-known for his devotion and hard work in the parish, had celebrated his 25th year of priesthood just a day before the tragic incident. Community members, who had gathered to mark the occasion, could never have predicted the tragic turn their celebrations would take.
The Catholic Church in the region has yet to comment on the matter, and efforts to reach the Owerri Archdiocese for an official statement have so far been unsuccessful. As the investigation progresses, questions remain about whether the shooting was an act of self-defense or if the priest’s actions were triggered by a deeper, still-unknown cause.
A priest’s role is typically one of peace and reconciliation, and such a violent outcome has raised questions about the security measures in place during church services, particularly on such significant occasions. Local officials have yet to clarify whether the explosives were intended to cause harm or whether they were part of some misguided form of celebration.
Meanwhile, the body of the deceased boy has been taken to a morgue in a neighboring community. The police have assured the public that they are doing everything in their power to get to the bottom of the incident and bring justice for the young victim.
Fr. Enyiaka’s arrest has further ignited debates in the community over the use of firearms by religious leaders and the growing security concerns in many parts of Nigeria. In a country where violent incidents have often spilled over into public spaces, the shooting at a house of worship has sparked fears that religious sites might not be as safe as they once were.
Imo State, like much of Nigeria, has seen a surge in security challenges in recent years. While many incidents have involved organized criminal groups or political unrest, this particular case has deeply disturbed the local population due to its unexpected nature and the involvement of a trusted religious figure.
Authorities are expected to continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the explosion and the shooting, which may also involve questioning other individuals present at the church service that night. Eyewitnesses have been urged to come forward with any information that may aid the investigation.
As the police probe the tragic shooting, local residents are left grappling with the reality of losing a young life in such a senseless way. The boy’s family, along with the wider Amaimo community, has been left in mourning, and many are calling for accountability in the wake of this unsettling event.
