Comedian Abovi Ugboma, popularly known as Bovi, has urged the Nigerian Police Force to investigate an incident involving a Catholic priest who struck an altar boy during a wedding ceremony.
In a viral video, the priest, while overseeing the exchange of vows, knocked the young boy to prompt him to hold the microphone closer to the groom.
The video sparked widespread criticism online, with many, including entertainer Kate Henshaw,Korede Bello and others condemning the priest’s actions as abusive.
Bovi pointed out that the priest’s apology seemed poorly staged. The priest had apologized for his actions, claiming it was a routine correction and not intentional, but Bovi and others found the apology unconvincing.
Bovi criticized the cleric for humiliating the altar boy and destroying his confidence. He urged netizens to consider how a priest who cannot control himself in public might treat those under him in private. As a result, Bovi called on the police to invite the priest for questioning.
Bovi wrote; “I’ve been trying to ignore this video like it never happened but after watching the apology video this morning, I’m more livid and miffed at the rate at which most forms of abuse go unchecked in Nigeria.
In the poorly staged apology video, the priest described his actions as “normal correction” and “a minor correction”. He was even encouraged by another apology of an adult who I couldn’t tell who he was exactly, that he would have blamed the priest if he didn’t do that.
He hit a defenseless child. He humiliated that child. He harmed that child’s confidence. He hit the head of the child for a very flimsy reason. Now imagine when that child does something really wrong.
A priest who couldn’t control himself in public. Take a moment to think about what he’s capable of doing behind closed doors. If we think this is normal behavior, then we are all abnormal.
Knocking a kid in the head unprovoked is a violent and criminal act. @nigerianpolice why haven’t you invited this man? If you fight for one child, you will be saving very many others. We must prevent and put out small fires before we all get consumed.
In a society where a virgin priest who preaches the teachings of Jesus uses physical harm to convey his unprocessed emotions, there is bound to be doom. We’re probably in hell already.”
Kate Henshaw wrote; “This is just not a priest, this one na abuser!!! Simple.”
Korede Bello wrote; “Not all demons are dressed in black, Not all angels are dressed in white. I’m not talking about clothes.”
luckyudu said; “I’m not supporting this man but the frustration that comes with mentorship can be overwhelming sometimes. Most of us have received knocks from our parents and teachers while growing up and no one saw it on camera and somehow they remained the best. Some of us have even done worst in private. While this is enough reason to investigate his behavior and leadership, it is not enough to completely judge him. The boy will grow, learn discipline and someday be a leader too.”
j2d_fashion said; “D priest even hit the Groom mic 4 mouth self. Child abuse, Groom abuse, Viewers abuse 😮”
Watch the video below;