The Imo state police command have arrested one Rev. Fr. John Ogoekwe of
the CKC, Uvuru, Aboh Mbaise and three other priests and also shut down
the Catholic cathedral in Ahiara, Mbaise, Imo State, following a violent
protest allegedly led by the arrested priests.
The protest which took place last Saturday July 2nd, saw a Divisional
Police Officer (DPO), of Ahiazu division, Danjuma Ragga Ben shot on the
leg and hand. The priest and some of his members were protesting over
who should be made the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of the area.
Peace had eluded the diocese for about three years now since Pope
Francis appointed Bishop Peter Opkaleke from Anambra state as the bishop
of the diocese. The priests in the area and their members had protested
Okpaleke’s appointment, insisting that a priest from their state should
be appointed into such leadership position. To resolve the impasse, a
Vicar General, Rev. Fr. Clement Ebi, was appointed to function in the
diocese as a bishop until the matter is full resolved.
Trouble started on Saturday July 2nd when the Vicar General decided to
host the Catholic Women Organization of the diocese at St. Roses
Catholic Church, Ezinihitte. This apparently did not go down well with
some of the youths who came out in their numbers and barricaded the
streets and Cathedral, setting fire and carrying leaves and placards.
During the protest, the DPO was shot in the leg and hand.
A statement by the spokesperson of the state police command, Andrew
Enwerem, said twelve people have so far been arrested in connection with
the protest.
“Twelve suspects, including four Rev. Fathers, were eventually arrested
and are been interrogated. All those involved in the shooting of the
DPO will be fished out and prosecuted. The Commissioner of police has
therefore, ordered the Cathedral to remain under lock and key to avoid
further violence.”