In a shocking incident in Enugu State, Reverend Father Linus Okwu, a Catholic priest of the Enugu Diocese, allegedly flogged members of his church choir for not clearing the church field.
The incident occurred at St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church, Agbani, in Nkanu West Local Government Area.
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According to reports, Father Okwu, who serves as the parish priest, armed himself with canes and interrupted a choir practice to address the issue. He demanded an explanation from the choir members, which included mothers, young men, ladies, and teenagers, regarding the unkempt church field.
Dissatisfied with their responses, Father Okwu reportedly ordered the choir members to kneel and begin to flog them mercilessly. The priest’s actions were described as extreme and brutal by witnesses and victims.
One of the victims, who requested anonymity, recounted the harrowing experience. “The priest, who was visibly furious while addressing us, said that since we hardly comply with the church’s teachings and instructions, he would use corporal punishment to enforce discipline,” the source said. “I was seated among teenage members, so when he began flogging, I moved to the back seat, hoping he would avoid punishing adults and mothers. To my shock, he flogged everyone, including myself.”
The victim described the physical and emotional trauma endured, stating, “When I tried to resist, he told me that if my father were to flog me at home, he also has the right to do so as the father of the church if we falter. I was badly bruised after he finished.”
Pastor sent to Kirikiri prison for raping two church members
Earlier, Daily News 24 reported how a Lagos-based pastor, Daniel Oluwafeyiropo popularly known as Bishop Feyi, was sent to prison by an Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court pending the time he fulfilled his bail conditions for allegedly raping two of his church members.
Justice Ramon Oshodi remanded the founder of the “I Reign Christian Ministry” in Kirikiri Correctional Centre until his bail conditions were met.
