The serene atmosphere of St. Columbus Catholic Church in Amaimo, Imo State, turned tragic on New Year’s Day when a teenage boy was fatally shot during a church service. Reverend Father Joseph Enyinnaya, a Catholic priest, is at the center of the storm, now in police custody over the incident that has left the community in shock and mourning.
The fateful event occurred during the New Year Mass on January 1, 2025. Witnesses say a group of young boys was setting off firecrackers, commonly referred to as “knockouts,” within the church premises. In what many describe as a chaotic attempt to disperse the boys, the priest allegedly fired shots into the air.
According to a local resident, the priest’s gun malfunctioned as he tried to stop the activity. “The gun hooked, and while trying to check the firearm, it accidentally discharged and hit one of the boys,” the resident explained. The boy, whose identity has not been disclosed, died on the spot, plunging the congregation into panic and sorrow.
The shooting has sparked outrage in the Amaimo community, with many questioning why a priest would possess a firearm during a church service. “What was a gun doing in the church in the first place?” asked an observer who requested anonymity. “This is heartbreaking and goes against everything we stand for as Christians.”
The church’s once-holy grounds have now become a focal point of grief, with mourners gathering to light candles in memory of the deceased. The incident has also raised broader concerns about gun ownership and safety in the country.
“This could have been avoided if the priest had reported the nuisance to security personnel instead of taking matters into his own hands,” the observer said.
The Imo State Police Command has confirmed the incident and announced a full investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the tragic event. Police Public Relations Officer Henry Okoye stated, “We have launched a detailed investigation to ascertain the remote facts surrounding the incident. Further developments on the case will be communicated in due course.”
While the priest’s actions have been widely criticized, some members of the community have come to his defense. “The boys were a nuisance,” said Eze Uwa. “They disrupt events with these knockouts. My only regret is that an innocent man may suffer for trying to maintain order.”
The tragedy has reignited debates on firearm ownership and the role of religious leaders in community safety. Some argue that the priest’s actions were an overreaction borne out of frustration. Others see this as part of a broader issue of unchecked gun possession in the country.
A recent spike in gun-related incidents involving civilians has left many Nigerians uneasy. In a separate case in Abuja, a pastor was caught carrying an AK-47 during a sermon, claiming it was a demonstration of vigilance. Similarly, a landlord in the eastern region reportedly shot a youth playing football near his home.
The Catholic Church has yet to release an official statement on the matter, but church members are calling for calm as investigations continue. “This is a tragic event for everyone involved,” said one parishioner. “The family of the boy deserves justice, but we must also pray for Father Joseph. This is not who he is.”
Amidst the outrage, there are calls to ban the use of knockouts entirely, with critics arguing that they pose a public safety risk. “These firecrackers cause more harm than good,” said Lanre, a social commentator. “Why allow them in places of worship or any public gatherings?”
Psychologists have also weighed in, emphasizing the role of anger management in preventing such tragedies.
As the investigation unfolds, the incident at St. Columbus Catholic Church remains a grim reminder of the delicate balance between maintaining order and respecting human life. For now, the focus remains on uncovering the truth, holding those responsible accountable, and ensuring such a tragedy never happens again.
While the fate of Reverend Father Joseph Enyinnaya lies in the hands of the judiciary, the community’s wounds will take much longer to heal.
