?Church condemns action, vows investigation

Facts have emerged on why a Catholic Priest of Diocese of Awka in Anambra State recently flogged a widow, condemning the action and vowing to investigate it.

Rev. Fr. Charles Ndubuisi, Chancellor, Catholic Diocese of Awka, shed light on the matter in a statement on Tuesday, issued in Awka, the state capital, distancing the Diocese from the act of brutality.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted him as saying in the statement: ?The suspect, Rev. Fr. Jude Muokwe, is a Manager at Angel Primary School, Ifitedunu, a mission school in Dunukofia Local Government Area of the state.

?He allegedly brutalised Mrs Ikeorah Maureen, a 50-year-old widow who works as a teacher in the school.?

The victim, as reported by NAN, was brutalised on February 12, over alleged insubordination; by inviting other teachers to a meeting to demand increase in their salaries.

?The Diocese regrets this unfortunate incident which took place on Wednesday, Feb.12.

?The Catholic Diocese of Awka upholds integrity of character and respect of all and cannot condone any type of misconduct in any of our schools.

?We promise to investigate the circumstances of the incident and the extent of violation of the ethical standards established by the Diocese for all Diocesan schools and apply immediate disciplinary actions,? NAN quoted Rev. Fr. Ndubuisi as saying.

It quoted sources at the school who pleaded anonymity as telling newsmen that Muokwe inflicted injuries on the widow after flogging her with a cane and also slapping her.

NAN reports that the victim and some other members of staff of the school had having a meeting in one of the classrooms where they discussed salary increase.

They were planning to make a report to the school management on the need to upwardly review their salary when Muokwe allegedly barged into the venue and started flogging the victim.

The cleric was also alleged to have accused her of being the convener of the meeting. (NAN)

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