Police launch manhunt for k!llers of Catholic priest in Kogi

The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the m8rder of a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi, in Ajaokuta. 

LIB reported that the cleric’s body was discovered by the roadside on Thursday morning, July 30, 2026. 

Reports indicate that the assailants attacked him several times with machetes. 

“We noticed multiple cuts on his body. The circumstances surrounding his k!lling, including the identity of his attackers, are yet to be established,” a source in the Catholic Church in Ajaokuta said.

His d3ath has thrown the Catholic community and residents of the area into mourning.

Confirming the incident, the Kogi State Police Command’s spokesperson, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, said the police received a report on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at about 9:30 p.m. that the lifeless body of an unidentified man had been found by the roadside along Church Road in Ajaokuta.

“Operatives promptly mobilised to the scene, where it was observed that the deceased had sustained severe machete cuts to the head,” the PPRO said.

“The body was evacuated to the ASCL Hospital, where he was confirmed d3ad 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 for the k!lling.” 

The police spokesperson added that the command would provide further updates as the investigation progresses.