Catholic Priest Allegedly Assaulted By Knight Member Following Mass In Enugu

ENUGU, NIGERIA — The Catholic Diocese of Enugu has been called upon to initiate an immediate investigation following an alleged physical confrontation involving a Catholic priest and a prominent knight shortly after a morning church service.

​The incident occurred at St. Anthony Catholic Church, located in New GRA, Trans-Ekulu, within the Enugu East Local Government Area. According to reporting by Vanguard News, Rev. Fr. Valentine Chimaobi Nwajiagu—the Assistant Parish Priest of Assumption Catholic Church, Nkwo Nike—was participating in a scheduled priestly exchange programme at the parish. Immediately following the 6 a.m. Mass, he was reportedly confronted by a member of the Knights of St. John International, identified as Sir Iyke Nwatakwocha.

​Eyewitnesses reported that the assailant targeted the clergyman, causing physical damage to his parked vehicle while issuing aggressive threats to parishioners who attempted to step in and de-escalate the situation. Worshippers expressed concern over the encounter, alleging that a similar confrontation had taken place between the same individual and the priest earlier in the year at his home parish.

​Disturbed parishioners have urged diocesan leadership to intervene swiftly and apply appropriate institutional measures to safeguard clergy members and maintain order across parish grounds. Media inquiries and official reactions from the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, the accused, and representatives of the Knights of St. John International remain ongoing as church authorities review the matter.