Nigerian comedian and actor Bovi has voiced his anger over a viral video showing a priest striking an altar boy during a wedding ceremony.

The video, which has sparked widespread discussion, was condemned by Bovi in a post shared on his social media page on September 27, 2024.

Bovi, known for his outspoken views, did not hold back in criticizing the incident and addressing the lack of accountability in Nigeria when it comes to acts of abuse.

“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,” he wrote.

The actor expressed his deep frustration with the apology video released by the priest, describing it as poorly executed and dismissive of the serious nature of the abuse.

“In the poorly staged apology video, the priest described his actions as a ‘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,” Bovi explained.

The comedian went on to express concern about the psychological impact on the child, saying, “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.”

Bovi questioned the priest’s self-control and what such actions could mean for how he behaves in private, adding, “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.”

He also called for intervention from the Nigerian police, stressing the need to take action before such incidents escalate.

“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,” Bovi concluded.

The video has sparked debate online, with many joining Bovi in condemning the act, while others question the state of accountability for child abuse in the country.