Police confirm death of Catholic priest in Kogi, begin probe

The Kogi State Police Command have confirmed the tragic death of a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi Oyetoro, whose body was discovered by the roadside along the Ajaokuta Road in Kogi State.

Rev. Fr. Oyetoro, a native of Ayetoro in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, served as a priest at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Egbe.

Earlier reports indicated that the cleric was stabbed multiple times by yet-to-be-identified assailants and was subsequently dumped on the side of the road.

Confirming the incident on Friday, the Kogi State Police Command said the killing occurred on July 29, 2026.

The command’s spokesperson, ASP Oyiza Afusat, said, “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.

“We will provide further updates as the investigation progresses.”

The killing has thrown the Catholic community and many residents of Kogi State into mourning.

Reacting to the news, the Catholic Diocese of Lokoja has asked the priests, religious, and laity to offer prayers for the peaceful repose of his soul.

They also appealed for strength and consolation for his aged parents, siblings, and parishioners during this time of mourning.