Anglican priest butchered to death in Imo, his car burnt

The priest-in-charge of St Andrew’s Anglican church, Ihitte-Ukwa in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State Rev. Emeka Merenu, has been killed by unknown gunmen. Merenu was butchered to his death and his car burnt

It was gathered that the priest, a native of Amaorji in Nkwerre in the Nkwerre Local Government Area of the state, was killed on the unfounded allegation that he brought in soldiers to secure the church and school under his supervision.

A member of the church, who spoke to Punch in anonymity disclosed that the attackers stormed the church premises and butchered the priest.

“The priest in charge of St Andrew’s Anglican Church in Ihitte-Ukwa in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State was killed this morning. His attackers stormed the church compound where he lived, butchered him and burnt his car before running away, the source said

Asked what could be the reason for the murder, the source said, “The church has a school on the premises. His attackers might have been angry that the slain priest was giving security protection to the students of the school who were writing this year’s WASSCE for Senior Secondary schools.”

Spokesperson of the State Police Command, Micheal Abattam, who confirmed the murder said that investigation had commenced with the intention to arresting the suspects.