The Kogi State Government and the Police Command have launched investigations into the killing of a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi Oyetoro, whose body was found along a roadside in Ajaokuta.
Oyetoro, a priest of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Egbe, was reportedly attacked and killed while returning from Lokoja, where he had gone to complete banking transactions on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
Sources said the cleric, who was on relief duty in Ajaokuta, was travelling back when he was attacked. His body was later discovered along Church Road, Ajaokuta.
The Kogi State Police Command said preliminary findings showed that the priest sustained severe machete injuries to the head.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Salihu Afusat, confirmed the incident in a statement, saying officers were alerted on July 29, 2026, at about 9:30 a.m., after an unidentified male body was found by the roadside.
According to the statement, police operatives arrived at the scene and evacuated the victim to ASCL Hospital, where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor before being deposited at the mortuary for autopsy.
The deceased was later identified as Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi of St. Paul Parish, Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
“The case is currently under investigation, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible. Upon the conclusion of preliminary investigation, the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation,” Afusat said.
The Kogi State Government condemned the killing and described it as a criminal act that must be fully investigated.
Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo had directed security agencies to identify those responsible and ensure they face prosecution.
“The Government expressed profound sadness over the death of the Catholic priest and extended its condolences to the Catholic Church, the Diocese, the family of the deceased and the entire Christian community,” the statement said.
The government assured residents that security agencies would receive the necessary support to conduct a thorough investigation, while urging members of the public to provide useful information and avoid spreading unverified reports.
Meanwhile, another Catholic seminarian, Kelvin Ochai, has reportedly been kidnapped by gunmen in Otukpo, Benue South Senatorial District.
A statement signed by the Diocesan Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, Rev. Fr. Joseph Aboyi Idoto, said the incident occurred on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at the Bishop’s residence, Asa III, Otukpo.
The statement said the Local Ordinary, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, had appealed for prayers for Ochai’s safe release while efforts continued to secure his freedom.
