The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the killing of a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi Oyetoro.
Oyetoro was a priest at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Egbe, until his death.
The late clergyman, who reportedly hailed from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, was reportedly stabbed multiple times before his lifeless body was dumped by the roadside in Ajaokuta.
The Kogi State Police Command, in its preliminary findings, disclosed that the deceased sustained severe machete cuts to the head.
Sources said the cleric was on relief duty in Ajaokuta and had travelled to Lokoja to carry out banking transactions on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. He was allegedly killed while returning to Ajaokuta the same day.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Salihu Afusat, confirmed the incident in a statement.
“The incident is confirmed. On 29th July 2026, at about 9:30 a.m., the Police received information that the lifeless body of an unidentified male was found by the roadside along Church Road, Ajaokuta.
“Operatives promptly mobilised to the scene, where it was observed that the deceased had sustained severe machete cuts to the head.
“The body was evacuated to the ASCL Hospital, where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor, and was thereafter deposited at the mortuary for autopsy.
“The deceased was later identified as Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi of St. Paul Parish, Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu LGA, 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 (SCID) for discreet investigation,” she said.
Reacting to the incident, the State Government condemned the killing describing it as a heinous and unacceptable act.
Communications Commissioner, Kingsley Fanwo in Lokoja yesterday said Governor Ahmed Ododo had directed security agencies to unravel the masterminds behind the crime and ensure they are brought to book.
The statement reads, “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 murder of Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi is a painful tragedy that has saddened the Government and the people of Kogi State. We condemn this barbaric act in the strongest possible terms and assure the Church and the family of the deceased that the perpetrators will not escape justice.
“Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed all security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, identify everyone connected with the crime and ensure they face the full weight of the law.”
The Government urged the security agencies to carry out a painstaking, professional and comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing and bring everyone connected with the crime to justice.
“We have absolute confidence in the professionalism and capacity of our security agencies to unravel this unfortunate incident that happened on July 29, 2026. The Government will continue to provide every necessary support to ensure that justice is served and those responsible are held accountable, the statement added.
The Government urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by volunteering credible information that could assist the investigation, while cautioning against the spread of rumours or unverified information capable of undermining the investigative process.
The Kogi State Government reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of lives and properties and assured the people that it would continue to strengthen security across the state in collaboration with all relevant agencies.
Our correspondent reported that in a separate incident, another Catholic seminarian, Kelvin Ochai, was kidnapped by unknown gunmen in Otukpo ,Benue South Senatorial District
In a statement signed by the Diocesan Chancellor Rev. Fr Joseph Aboyi Idoto, said the incident occured on Wednesday,29th July ,2026 in the Bishop residence ,Asa 111, Otukpo, Benue state.
A statement from Otukpo diocesan chancellor reads “The Local Ordinary, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi, who is deeply saddened by this unfortunate development, has called on all Christ’s Faithful in the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo and all people of goodwill to earnestly pray for his quick and safe release as we intensify efforts to ensure his release.
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