The Catholic Diocese of Awka in Anambra State has launched an investigation into an alleged altercation between one of its priests, Rev. Fr. Jude Muokwe, and a 50-year-old widow, Mrs. Ikeorah Maureen.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, left the woman traumatised and in severe pain, sparking mixed reactions within the community.
According to reports, the altercation began when Rev. Muokwe, the Manager of Angel Primary School in Ifitedunu, Dunukofia LGA, entered a classroom where Mrs. Ikeorah and other school staff were holding a meeting.
“The widow and some other staff members of the school were having a meeting in one of the classrooms in the school discussing their interest in salary increment, which they intended to relate to the school management thereafter,” a source revealed. “But the priest barged into the classroom with a cane and started beating her mercilessly, accusing her of being the convener of the meeting, and it resulted in a kind of brawl between both parties.”
Another source from the school stated that Ikeorah slapped the priest first, prompting him to retaliate, which escalated into a physical confrontation.
This was supported by a viral video circulating on social media, which shows the woman crying while recounting her ordeal and showing the injuries she sustained.
In response, the Catholic Diocese of Awka issued a statement on Monday, expressing regret over the incident and assuring the public that an investigation would be conducted.
“The Diocese regrets this unfortunate incident, which took place on Wednesday, February 12, 2025,” the statement read. “The Catholic Diocese of Awka upholds integrity of character and respect for all and cannot condone any type of misconduct in any of our schools.”
The statement, signed by the Chancellor of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Charles Ndubisi, further assured that disciplinary actions would follow based on the findings of the investigation.
“We promise to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and the extent of violation of the ethical standard established by the Diocese for all Diocesan Schools, and apply immediate disciplinary actions,” the statement reads.
(Punch)
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