Catholic Priest Allegedly Attacked by Knight After Mass at Enugu Church

A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Valentine Chimaobi Nwajiagu, was allegedly attacked on Sunday following a Mass at St. Anthony Catholic Church, New GRA, Trans-Ekulu, in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State.

According to a reports, the alleged incident involved Sir Iyke Nwatakwocha, identified as a member of the Knights of St. John International. The report said the confrontation occurred shortly after the 6 a.m. Mass at the parish.

Nwajiagu was reportedly at the church as part of a priestly exchange programme. He is the Assistant Parish Priest of Assumption Catholic Church, Nkwo Nike, also in Enugu State.

Sources cited alleged that Nwatakwocha confronted the priest after the Mass. It was further alleged that the priest’s vehicle was damaged during the incident.

The same sources claimed that some worshippers attempted to intervene during the confrontation and were allegedly threatened. However, details surrounding what triggered the confrontation remained unclear at the time of reporting.

Some worshippers also reportedly alleged that the same individual had confronted Nwajiagu earlier in the year at his parish. The claim, however, has not been independently verified.

The reported incident has generated concern among members of the Catholic community, particularly over the circumstances surrounding a confrontation involving a priest and a member of a Catholic lay organisation.

The worshippers reportedly appealed to the Catholic Diocese of Enugu to investigate the matter and take appropriate steps to prevent a recurrence of any confrontation involving the priest.

Importantly, the allegations against Nwatakwocha remain allegations at this stage. There has been no independently verified account establishing the circumstances of the incident or determining responsibility for the alleged assault and property damage.

As of the time of report on Sunday, efforts to obtain reactions from Fr. Nwajiagu, Nwatakwocha, the Knights of St. John International and the Catholic Diocese of Enugu were still ongoing. Consequently, further clarification from the parties involved could provide additional context to the incident.