A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Valentine Chimaobi Nwajiagu, was allegedly attacked on Sunday by a member of the Knights of St. John International, Sir Iyke Nwatakwocha, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, New GRA, Trans-Ekulu, Enugu East Local Government Area, in an incident that has left the cleric’s vehicle extensively damaged.
The alleged confrontation occurred shortly after the 6am Mass, during which Fr. Nwajiagu, who serves as Assistant Parish Priest of Assumption Catholic Church, Nkwo Nike, had participated in a priestly exchange programme at the parish.
Sources said Nwatakwocha, who was reportedly visibly angry, confronted the priest and proceeded to damage his vehicle, with photographs showing a heavily shattered windscreen and smashed windows.
Some worshippers who attempted to intervene were allegedly threatened during the altercation.
The reason for the confrontation remains unclear, although some congregants claimed that the same individual had allegedly confronted Fr. Nwajiagu earlier this year at his parish, raising concerns that Sunday’s incident may have been a recurrence.
Worshippers have called on the Catholic Diocese of Enugu to investigate the matter and take appropriate measures to prevent further confrontations involving the priest.
The allegations could not be independently verified as of press time, and efforts to obtain reactions from Fr. Nwajiagu, Sir Nwatakwocha, the Knights of St. John International and the Catholic Diocese of Enugu have yet to yield results.
The diocese’s Communication Director, Rev. Fr. Aneke Anthony, did not respond to calls placed to his phone.
The Knights of St. John International is a Catholic lay organisation established in Nigeria in 1975, with over 10,000 members nationwide, dedicated to faith, charity and service to the Church.
