By Chukwuemeka Chimerue
ENUGU— The Enugu State Police Command said it has begun investigation into the alleged shooting of a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Ikechukwu Ilo of St. Patrick Parish, Nomeh, in Nkanu East Local Government Area of the state by suspected herdsmen.
The command’s spokesman, Superintendent Ebere Amaraizu, however, said in a statement in Enugu on Friday that the incident which reportedly happened on Thursday July 18, was of robbery, dismissing claims of possible terrorist attack in the state as widely reported.
The police said the hoodlums who are yet-to-be identified, shot the cleric on his leg and that he is now receiving medical treatment at a hospital in the state.
“The Enugu state command of the Nigeria police force through its operatives are now conducting investigations on the attempted Robbery and wounding of a priest identified as Ikechukwu Ilo of St. Patrick Parish Nomeh on 18/7/19 along Nomeh axis of Nkanu East Local Government Area of Enugu state by yet to be identified persons contrary to speculations of attack by terrorist group.
“It was gathered that the victim was attacked by the suspected hoodlums on his way along pipeline Nomeh road Nkanu east which resulted in the sustaining of bullet wound on his leg and was subsequently rushed to Annunciation hospital Emene Enugu where he is receiving medical attention.
“Meanwhile the state commissioner of police Suleiman Balarabe has directed for a full scale investigations with a view to unmasking those Behind the unfortunate incident so as to bring them to book.It could be recalled that axis has been in dispute between the nomeh and nenwe communities which has resulted in some destructions including a police post at the location but there have been interventions to restore peace amongst the two communities,” the police spokesman stated.
