12 persons, including four Catholic priests, have been arrested by the Imo state Police Command, for their alleged involvement in the shooting of a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Ahiazu Mbaise Police Division, Mr. Danjuma Ragga.
According to Vanguard, the drama started after the DPO led a team of officers to speak to the youths Rev. Fr. John Ogoekwe of Christ the King Catholic Parish, Uvuru, Aboh Mbaise, who were protesting the hosting of the National President of the Catholic Women Organisation at the St Roses Catholic Church in Ezinihitte Mbaise. But it turned to an ugly affair as the youth revolted against the police, threatened to burn down their vehicles and even fired into he church premises, eventually hitting the DPO in the leg.
Vanguard adds that the state’s Commissioner of Police Taiwo Lakanu, confirmed that the diocese has always been engulfed in crisis. Text from Saynigeria
Here’s what the Commissioner of Police said:
“The Catholic Diocese of Ahiara has been engulfed in crisis in the past, over the appointment and enthronement of a bishop. The crisis necessitated the appointment of a Vicar General, Rev. Fr. Clement Ebii, who has been carrying out the functions of the bishop.On Saturday, July 2, 2016, the priest hosted the National President of the Catholic Women Organization, CWO, in St. Roses Catholic Church, Ezinihitte Mbaise. However, youths who congregated at the Catholic Cathedral, Nnarambia, Ahiazu Mbaise, insisted on processing to the Ezinihitte Parish, to stop the hosting of the CWO National President.The youths set up bonfires, barricaded the highway and disrupted the peace of the town.The DPO, Ahiazu Mbaise Police Division, Danjuma Ragga, a superintendent of police, led a team of policemen from his Division, to advise the youths to sheath their swords and embrace peace, since the matter is being looked into by the Catholic hierarchy.The youths, led by Rev. Fr. John Ogoekwe of CKC Uvuru, Aboh Mbaise, defied the appeal of the DPO and started hauling missiles at the police. They even threatened to burn the police patrol vehicle and disarm the police officers involved in the legitimate operation.The youths later fired gunshots from inside the Catholic Cathedral, which hit the DPO on both legs and hands. He is currently receiving treatment.Further attempts made to restore peace and order, as well as arrest the culprits, were rebuffed by the youths, who continued to fire at the police.Our men exhibited a very high sense of professionalism and did not return the fire, despite the provocation.However, 12 suspects, including four Reverend Fathers, were eventually arrested and are being interrogated.
The Police also said “I hereby order that the cathedral be put under lock and key to avoid further violence.”
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