Samuel Oyetoro, a Catholic priest serving at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Egbe, Kogi state, has been found dead by the roadside with multiple machete wounds.
Oyetoro was a native of Ayetoro in Ijumu LGA of Kogi and was born in Egbe, Yagba west LGA of the state.
Confirming the incident on Friday, William Ovye-Aya, police spokesperson in Kogi, said the command received a report on July 29 that the priest’s body had been found along Church Road in Ajaokuta.
“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,” Ovye-Aya said.
The police spokesperson said operatives deployed to the scene found the priest with severe machete wounds to the head.
Ovye-Aya said the victim’s body was evacuated to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead before being deposited in the mortuary for an autopsy.
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👉 JOIN GISTSMATE WHATSAPP CHANNELHe said investigations into the killing are ongoing, adding that efforts have been intensified to apprehend those responsible.
“The deceased was later identified as Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi of St. Paul Parish, Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu LGA, Kogi state,” he added.
KOGI DIRECTS SECURITY AGENCIES TO FISH OUT PERPETRATORS
Meanwhile, the Kogi state government has condemned Opeyemi’s killing, describing it as a “heinous and unacceptable act”.
In a statement issued on Friday, Kingsley Fanwo, commissioner for information and communications, said Usman Ododo, governor of the state, had directed security agencies to identify those behind the killing and ensure they are brought to justice.
Fanwo said the government is saddened by the priest’s death and extended its condolences to the Catholic Church, the diocese, the family of the deceased and the Christian community.
“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 statement reads.
The commissioner said the government had confidence in the ability of security agencies to unravel the circumstances surrounding the killing, adding that the state would provide all necessary support to ensure justice is served.
He urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with investigators by providing credible information that could aid the probe, while cautioning against spreading rumours or unverified claims that could undermine ongoing investigations.
Fanwo added that the state government remains committed to protecting lives and property and would continue working with security agencies to strengthen safety across Kogi.
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