The Imo State Police command says investigations are ongoing to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the shooting on Christmas Day of an Assistant Parish Priest of Saint Kelvin Catholic Church, Ogbaku, in the Owerri West Local Government Area.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Imo State Command, DSP Henry Okoye, disclosed that though the matter had not yet been formally reported to the police by the church.
He said: “However, the Divisional Police Officer for Owerri West has visited the church to verify the claims. He has also requested to see the priest to aid the investigation.”
Reports say Gunmen suspected to be fleeing an undisclosed incident on Christmas Day shot the Assistant parish priest in the right hand at about 8am on Christmas Day while approaching the church gate for morning Mass.
Sources further revealed that the priest was said rushed to an undisclosed hospital, where he is currently receiving medical care. Prayers are reportedly ongoing for his recovery.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, who also confirmed the shooting, pointed out that the identity of those responsible remained unknown.
