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An unsettling incident has been reported in the Enugu Catholic Diocese, involving Rev. Fr. Linus Okwu, who purportedly used physical discipline on women, girls, and choir members for not adequately maintaining the church’s exterior.
Rev. Fr. Linus Okwu, the spiritual leader of St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church in Enugu’s Nkanu West Local Government Area, stands accused of meting out corporal punishment to a broad cross-section of his congregation, spanning age and gender lines.
The tranquility of a choir practice was shattered when an irate Rev. Fr. Linus Okwu, brandishing canes, burst into the session, seeking an explanation for the overgrown church field that had apparently ignited his wrath.
As the priest’s ire intensified, he grew displeased with the explanations offered, prompting him to issue a shocking directive: the choir members were forced to kneel, after which he unleashed a brutal barrage of strikes, leaving them reeling.
A brave victim, who requested anonymity, came forward with a heart-wrenching story, revealing that she was left with painful bruises, a tangible reminder of the abuse she suffered at the hands of the priest.
She further stated that the shock would continue to live with her for a lifetime.
The source said: “The Priest, who was visibly furious while addressing the choir members told us that since we hardly comply with the teaching and instruction of the church, that he would apply the stick approach to ensure compliance.
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“I was sitting on a row of seats where teenage members of our choir were, so, when he started flogging, I withdrew to the back seat with the hope that he wouldn’t flog adults and mothers amongst us, but to my surprise, he flogged everybody, including myself.
“When I tried to put up resistance, he told me that if my father flogs me at home when I wrong him, he also reserves the right to whip members of his congregation as the father of the church if they falter. I was badly bruised when he finished with me.”
Despite efforts to secure a response, Rev. Fr. Anthony Aneke, the diocese’s chief communicator, was not available to comment on the disturbing allegations, fueling further speculation and concern.
