Catholic priest beaten into a coma by pagans in Nigeria
Pagan youths attacked a Catholic priest on Monday, Aug. 29 during a rosary procession in the Obubo community in Anambra State, Nigeria. Rev. Fidelis Ifeanyichukwu Ugozo was beaten and stabbed in the face because the mob believed Ugozo burned down their gods' shrine.
A youth leader identified as Gabriel Ikegbunam allegedly stopped Ugozo from entering his village. It was said that Ikegbunam called on others to charge when Ugozo and his Catholic followers ignored his warning.
Cletus Nwankwo, a former catechist at Ugozo's church, said that the youths wielded axes, guns and machetes.
"They grabbed the Blessed Sacrament from our Parish Priest, hit it on the floor and used the Monstrance to hit our parish priest on his hand before stabbing him on the face and other parts of the body" he said to Anambra Broadcasting Service.
Ugozo, who was reportedly beaten into a coma, was rushed to an undisclosed hospital and was later transferred to St. Joseph's Hospital in Adaza Ani.
Igwe Lawrence Egwuonu, the ruler of Ugbenu, said his wife was also beaten by the mob. He stated that Ikegbunam, along with three companions, went to his palace to complain about the destruction of their deity's shrine.
"After investigation, I discovered that they were all liars. None of their shrines were burnt and I can defend it anywhere," said Egwuonu. "Their greatest mistake was touching the priest and destroying the Blessed Sacrament. It is a sacrilege and they will pay for it," he added.
Two men, Anthony Anigbogu and Humphrey Ekwenye, were arrested in connection with the case while Ikegbunam and other accomplices remain at large.
Pagan youths were also previously suspected of attacking churches in Anambra. In August 2013, 50 Christians, including a 2-year-old baby, were injured after several churches in Awka were attacked by suspected cultists. More than seven churches were reportedly looted and burned.
