TVC E. 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.
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.
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.
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.”
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