The Youths of Obubo community in Anambra State have allegedly attacked a Priest of the St. Raphael’s Catholic Church, Ugbenu Awka North Local Government Area in Anambra State, beating him and stabbing him.
The youths in the community in Anambra State, who beat the priest, Rev. Father Fidelis Ifeanyichukwu Ugozo are reported to be idol worshippers.
As reported by Anambra Broadcasting Service the priest, along with his followers were involved in a rosary procession around the village when the youth leader, Gabriel Ikegbunam, had stopped them, fearing that the Catholic priest and his disciples were out to burn their idols.
According to Daily Post, Ikegbunam insisted that the priest would not enter his village. However, he was overpowered by the clergyman and his followers. This prompted him to start to contact the village youths to attack the priest and hi9s followers, who were mainly men and women.
Cletus Nwankwo, a former catechist at St. Raphael’s parish Ugbenu had said that the village was popular for its adulterous acts, including that the youths who had attacked the clergyman had suspected that the rosary procession was aimed at the destruction of their shrine.
He said: “They moved from Agueke village to Obiagu and decided to branch at Obubo before Ikegbunam blocked them and in the process, he called some of them and told them that Catholics are coming to burn their shrine. Soon the youths trooped out, wielding dangerous weapons such as axe, gun and machetes.
“They grabbed the Blessed Sacrament from our Parish Priest, hit it on the floor and used the Monstrance to hit our Parish priest on his hand before stabbing him on the face and other parts of the body.”
While speaking to journalists, the traditional ruler of the town, Igwq Lawrence Eqwuonu, said the youths had also beaten his wife, claiming that Gabriel Ikegbunam, Isreal Egwu had marched into his palace before the incident, complaining that their shrine and other sacred symbols were being destroyed by the Christians.
“After investigation, I discovered that they were all liars. None of their shrines were burnt and I can defend it anywhere.
“It was Ikegbunam that incited others to attack the priest and other Christians.
“Their greatest mistake was touching the priest and destroying the Blessed Sacrament. It is a sacrilege and they will pay for it,” he said.
The Priest who was rushed to a hospital in Ebeneber after the attack, was later transferred to St. Joseph’s hospital, Adazi Ani.
Anathony Anigbogu and Humphrey Ekwenye, have been arrested by the Police and are currently held by the State CID, Awka.
