A randy priest with Awka Catholic Diocese in Anambra State (name withheld) was on Wednesday allegedly burnt by cooking gas fire while in a lover’s house at Allen Avenue, a students’ suburb in the state capital. He has been flown abroad for medical treatment.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a source who spoke to News Express said the undergraduate girl friend of the priest did not survive the inferno while the priest sustained high degree burns.

He said: “Your inquiry isn’t exactly false. The clergy man’s relative is a friend and he did not say anything different from your proposed report.

“The girl died on the spot but the priest was hurriedly smuggled away and we are hearing that he has been flown abroad, apparently to cover traces. Are there no hospitals in Nigeria?

“I have told them to stop covering this story. What do they want to achieve by hiding this story.

“The truth should be said and shame the devil.” Another source however, also pleaded anonymity said that the priest was involved in the inferno while trying to save a life saying. All these side talks are not necessary.”

When the Press Secretary to the Bishop of the diocese, Mr. Abuchi Onwumelu, was reached on the telephone for his reaction, he said he heard about the gas fire incident involving a Rev priest but had no full facts on the story.

He promised returning the call after leaving the function he was in but never did at the time of filing the report.

On his part, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, DSP Ali Okechukwu, said the matter is yet to be reported to his desk.

Ali promised to reach the Divisional Police Officer of B Division where the incident allegedly happened and would get back but didn’t call back.

•Photo shows priest’s cassock.