The Imo State police command has announced the arrest of one Rev. Fr. John Ogoekwe of the CKC, Uvuru, in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State and three other priests following a violent protest allegedly led by the arrested priests.
The police also shut down the Catholic cathedral.
According to reports, Imo state police public relations officer, Mr Andrew Enwerem, said that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for Ahiazu Mbaise, was shot during the protest on Saturday.
The protested erupted after the vicar-general of the Ezinihite Diocese of the church, Reverend Father Clement Ebii, had hosted the national president of the Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) of the Saint Rose Catholic Church.
A statement issued yesterday, in Owerri, and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Andrew Enwerem, a Superintendent of Police, Lakanu, said he was determined to restore peace and order, warning the perpetrators of the violence.
The statement reads: “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.”
According to the CP, the protesters had defied all attempts made by the police to restore peace, alleging that the youths, led by a priest Rev. Fr. John Ogoekwe, of the CKC, Uvuru, Aboh Mbaise, who choose to disrupt peace in the area, leading to the shooting of Ragga, on both legs and hand.