A Catholic priest was allegedly attacked on Sunday morning by a member of the Knights of St John International shortly after celebrating Mass at St Anthony Catholic Church in New GRA, Trans Ekulu, Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State. The priest, Rev Fr Valentine Chimaobi Nwajiagu, is said to have been confronted by the man immediately after the six a.m. service.
According to sources familiar with the incident, the alleged attacker has been identified as Sir Iyke Nwatakwocha, a member of the Knights of St John International. Nwajiagu had reportedly been at St Anthony Catholic Church as part of a priestly exchange programme at the time of the alleged confrontation. He normally serves as the Assistant Parish Priest of Assumption Catholic Church, Nkwo Nike, also in Enugu State.
What Reportedly Happened
Sources close to the incident said the man allegedly confronted the priest and went on to damage his vehicle. Worshippers who attempted to step in and calm the situation were reportedly threatened as well, adding to the tension that followed the early morning Mass.
As of the time this report was filed, the exact reason behind the alleged confrontation remained unclear. Neither the priest nor the accused had publicly addressed what triggered the incident, leaving many within the church community searching for answers.
Not the First Alleged Encounter
Perhaps more troubling for worshippers at the parish is the claim that this may not be an isolated case. Some members of the congregation alleged that the same individual had previously confronted Nwajiagu earlier in the year at his home parish, raising concern that Sunday’s incident could be part of a recurring pattern rather than a one time dispute.
That earlier alleged confrontation, according to worshippers, had already left some concerned about the priest’s safety long before Sunday’s events unfolded. Its resurfacing has only heightened unease among those familiar with the situation, many of whom are now calling for clarity on what continues to draw the two men into conflict.
Responses Still Awaited
Efforts to obtain reactions from the priest, the accused, the Knights of St John International, and the Catholic Diocese of Enugu were still ongoing at the time of filing. None of the parties had issued an official statement addressing the allegations, and it remains unclear whether the matter has been reported to security agencies or church authorities for formal investigation.
The Knights of St John International is a Catholic lay fraternal organisation with a long standing presence across Nigeria, known for supporting parish activities and church security during major services. An allegation involving one of its members in an attack on a priest, if confirmed, would mark a significant departure from the organisation’s traditional role within the church community.
For now, the incident has left worshippers at St Anthony Catholic Church unsettled, with many awaiting further clarity from church leadership on how the matter will be addressed. As reactions from the priest, the accused, and diocesan authorities remain pending, questions around accountability and the safety of clergy within the parish are likely to remain at the center of conversation in the days ahead.
