Kogi condemns gruesome killing of Catholic priest

The Kogi State Government has condemned the gruesome killing of Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi of St. Paul Catholic Parish, Ayetoro Gbede in the state, describing it as a heinous and unacceptable act.

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo.

He said Governor Ahmed Ododo has ordered security agencies to conduct a thorough and speedy  investigation into the incident.

Fanwo said the governor had directed all security agencies to unravel those behind the crime and ensure they faced the full wrath  of the law.

He said: “The murder of Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi is a painful tragedy that has saddened the government and  people of Kogi.

“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.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the priest was killed on July 29.

His body was found by the roadside with several multiple stab wounds as earlier reported by The Eagle Online.

Fanwo expressed sadness over the death and extended condolences to the Catholic Church, the Diocese, family of the deceased, and the entire Christian community in the state.

The commissioner said the governor had mandated security agencies to carry out a “painstaking, professional and comprehensive investigation” to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing and identify everyone connected with the crime.

He said: “We have absolute confidence in the professionalism and capacity of our security agencies to unravel this unfortunate incident.

“The government will continue to provide every necessary support to ensure that justice is served and those responsible are held accountable.”

Fanwo also called on residents to remain calm and cooperate with security operatives by volunteering credible information that could assist the investigation.

He cautioned against the spread of rumours or unverified information capable of undermining the process.

The commissioner reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the protection of lives and property, and assured residents that it would continue to strengthen security across Kogi State in collaboration with all relevant agencies.

𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖/𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕔𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕧𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕠 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖