How Catholic priest Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi was macheted to death in Kogi

A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi, has been murdered in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, after he was reportedly attacked by unidentified assailants and left with multiple machete wounds.

According to the Nigeria Police Force, Kogi State Command, the priest’s lifeless body was discovered by the roadside along Church Road in Ajaokuta. The incident was reported on Wednesday, prompting police officers to immediately visit the scene.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Afusat Salihu, said officers found the victim with severe machete injuries to the head before rushing him to ASCL Hospital, where a medical doctor confirmed him dead.

Salihu disclosed that the body was later deposited at the mortuary for an autopsy and subsequently identified as Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi, a priest of St. Paul Parish, Ayetoro Gbede, in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The police spokesperson added that the deceased also served at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Egbe, where he was widely respected for his pastoral service and dedication to the Catholic faithful.

She confirmed that investigations had commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the killing and to identify those responsible.

> “The case is currently under investigation, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible. Upon the conclusion of the preliminary investigation, the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet investigation,” Salihu said.

The tragic killing has renewed concerns over the security of religious leaders and residents in parts of Kogi State, where recurring security challenges continue to threaten lives and property.

Police have appealed to members of the public with credible information that could aid the investigation to come forward and assist security agencies in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

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