‘Assault on widow’: Catholic church probes priest

The Catholic Diocese of Awka, Anambra state, Monday, vowed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault on a widow and teacher, Mrs Maureen Ikeorah.

Ikeorah, in a viral video, recounted how she was whipped mercilessly by a priest at St Gabriel Parish and manager of her school, Angel Primary School, Ifitedunu, Dunukofia Local Government Area (LGA), Anambra state, Rev. Fr Jude Muokwe.

The widow in a viral video alleged that the Priest whipped her for conveying a meeting with other staff to discuss salary increment, which they planned to pass to the management, and did not convey.

Responding to the allegation in a statement signed by the Chancellor, Catholic Diocese of Awka, Rev. Fr. Dr Charles Ndubuisi described the incident as unfortunate.

Ndubuisi added that the church would carry out thorough investigation to find out the extent of violation of ethical standard established by the Diocese for schools and apply immediate disciplinary action.

Blueprint recalls that the incident which occurred since February 12, 2025, had continued to generate tension and concern, as some persons argued that the priest should equally be sacked or suspended as deterrent to others and in conformity to expulsion of a student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University who assaulted her lecturer.