Religion

Outrage in Enugu as Catholic Priest Allegedly Flogs Women and Choir Members

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 21st, 2024.

Outrage in Enugu as Catholic Priest Allegedly Flogs Women and Choir Members

In Enugu State, the actions of Rev. Fr. Linus Okwu, a Catholic priest, have sparked significant controversy. Okwu, who serves as the parish priest at St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church in Agbani, Nkanu West Local Government Area, is accused of flogging several parishioners, including women, girls, and choir members.

The incident reportedly occurred when Fr. Okwu, frustrated by the uncut grass around the church premises, interrupted a choir practice session. Armed with canes, he demanded an explanation for the unmaintained grounds. Dissatisfied with the choir members’ responses, he allegedly ordered them to kneel and began whipping them.

One of the victims, who wished to remain anonymous, shared her distressing experience, mentioning that she left with bruises. She expressed that the incident has left a lasting emotional impact on her. According to her, Fr. Okwu justified his actions by comparing himself to a father disciplining his children.

“I was sitting among the teenage choir members when he started flogging,” she recounted. “I moved to the back, hoping he wouldn’t target the adults and mothers, but he did. He whipped everyone, including me. When I resisted, he claimed he had the right to discipline us as the father of the church.”

Efforts to reach Rev. Fr. Anthony Aneke, the director of communication for the Enugu Catholic Diocese, for comment were unsuccessful.