A Catholic priest in Nigeria, Reverend Father Jude Muokwe, is facing public outrage after allegedly assaulting a 50-year-old teacher, Mrs. Ikeorah Maureen, in her classroom.
The incident reportedly occurred after a disagreement over the deduction of lesson fees.
Witnesses say Father Muokwe became angry when Mrs. Ikeorah raised concerns about discrepancies in an agreement regarding the distribution of the fees.
The confrontation allegedly escalated into a physical assault, with the priest flogging and slapping the teacher.
In a distressing video shared online, Mrs. Ikeorah is seen weeping as she shows visible bruises, recounting the attack.
“He came and started flogging me and slapping me. He claimed I called the teachers for a meeting. I did not call any meeting. See my face, see my back, see my legs,” she said.
The assault has sparked widespread condemnation from residents of Ifitedunu and online communities, with many calling for an immediate suspension of the priest and a full investigation by the church and law enforcement.
Mrs. Ikeorah, a widow and grandmother, is a long-serving Primary 6 teacher at the school. Despite the outcry, the school management and the Awka Diocese have yet to release an official statement on the matter. Community members are demanding justice, emphasizing the importance of maintaining respect and accountability within educational institutions.