Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Kogi State Government has condemned the gruesome killing of Reverend Father Samuel Opeyemi, a Catholic priest of St. Paul Parish, Ayetoro Gbede, whose lifeless body was discovered along Church Road in Ajaokuta Local Government Area with severe machete wounds. Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that those responsible are identified, arrested, and brought to justice. The directive was announced on Friday, July 31, 2026, in a statement issued by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, who described the killing as a heinous and unacceptable act that has deeply saddened the government and people of Kogi State.
The tragic discovery was made on Thursday, July 30, 2026, when residents reported the presence of an unidentified body along Church Road in Ajaokuta. According to the Kogi State Police Command, officers received the report at approximately 9:30 p.m. and promptly mobilised to the scene. Upon arrival, they observed that the deceased had sustained severe machete cuts to the head, indicating a brutal and violent attack. The body was evacuated to the Ajaokuta Steel Company (ASCL) Hospital, where a medical doctor confirmed him dead and the remains were deposited at the mortuary for an autopsy.
The deceased was later identified as Reverend Father Samuel Opeyemi, a priest of St. Paul Parish, Ayetoro Gbede, in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. Until his death, he also served as a parish priest at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Egbe, in Yagba West Local Government Area. The circumstances surrounding his presence in Ajaokuta, which is far from his parish, remain unclear and are part of the ongoing investigation. The Catholic community and many residents of Kogi State have been thrown into mourning, with a Catholic Church source in Ajaokuta expressing shock at the brutality of the attack. "His assailants must have attacked him several times with machetes. We noticed multiple cuts on his body. The circumstances surrounding his killing, including the identity of his attackers, are yet to be established," the source told Daily Trust.
Governor Ododo, in his directive to security agencies, emphasised that no effort should be spared in identifying those behind the murder. "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 read. The governor also called for a professional and comprehensive investigation that would uncover the circumstances surrounding the killing and establish the identities of all those involved. The government expressed confidence in the ability of security agencies to unravel the circumstances behind the murder and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The Kogi State Government expressed profound sadness over the death of the priest and extended its condolences to the Catholic Church, the diocese, the family of the deceased, and the wider 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," the statement added.
The police have confirmed that the case is currently under investigation and that efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible. According to the Police Public Relations Officer in Kogi State, ASP Afusat Salihu, upon the conclusion of the preliminary investigation, the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further discreet investigation. The police have appealed to 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 killing of Reverend Father Samuel Opeyemi has reignited concerns over the safety of religious leaders and the persistent insecurity in parts of Kogi State. The state government has reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of lives and property and assured the people that it would continue to strengthen security across the state in collaboration with all relevant agencies. Governor Ododo's directive for a comprehensive investigation underscores the administration's determination to ensure that justice is served and that those who commit such heinous crimes are held accountable.
As the investigation continues, the Catholic community and the people of Kogi State await answers, hoping that the perpetrators of this senseless act of violence will be swiftly apprehended and made to face the full consequences of their actions. The death of Reverend Father Samuel Opeyemi is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need for enhanced security measures to protect citizens, particularly religious leaders who serve their communities with dedication and faith. The government has urged residents to remain calm and to support security agencies with credible information that could aid in the investigation and help prevent future tragedies.
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