Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Catholic community in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, has been thrown into mourning and outrage following the gruesome killing of Reverend Father Samuel Opeyemi Oyetoro, a priest who was found dead by the roadside with multiple stab wounds on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. Parishioners of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, where the cleric was serving as a visiting priest, have called on security agencies to ensure that those behind the attack are arrested and prosecuted without delay. The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and drawn condemnation from the Kogi State Government, which has directed a thorough investigation into the murder.
According to reports from Arise News and Daily Post, Father Oyetoro was found dead by the roadside along Church Road in the Ajaokuta Local Government Area of Kogi State. The priest, who had been serving at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Ajaokuta, was reportedly attacked by unidentified assailants who inflicted multiple stab wounds on him. He had celebrated Mass earlier on the day of the incident while standing in for the parish priest, Reverend Father Clement Wesaku, who was away on a two-week leave. The body was discovered later that day, and police confirmed that the victim was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The killing has sparked deep grief and anger among parishioners, who described the attack as heartbreaking and barbaric. The Chairman of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, Louis Izugwu, described the priest's death as devastating and called for justice. "Those responsible must be brought to justice," Izugwu said. Another parishioner, Fowoyo John, expressed shock over the incident, recalling the priest's final moments with worshippers and urging security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators do not escape justice. An atmosphere of grief has enveloped the church, with members struggling to come to terms with the loss of a cleric described as dedicated and humble.
The Kogi State Police Command confirmed that it has commenced an investigation into the murder. Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Afusat Salihu, said the command was working to unravel the circumstances surrounding the killing and assured residents that those responsible would be apprehended. The police have intensified efforts to identify and track down the assailants. The state government has also intervened, with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo directing security agencies to conduct a thorough and speedy investigation into the incident.
In a statement issued on Friday, August 1, 2026, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, condemned the killing as "heinous and unacceptable". "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," Fanwo said. The governor 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 government expressed its condolences to the Catholic Church, the diocese, the priest's family, and the wider Christian community.
The killing of Father Oyetoro comes amid renewed security concerns in parts of Kogi State. In recent weeks, the state has witnessed a series of kidnappings and attacks, including the abduction of a school principal, a NECO official, and students at an examination centre in Dekina Local Government Area. Earlier in July, suspected kidnappers also ambushed a funeral convoy along the Ochadamu-Ejule Road in Ofu Local Government Area. The escalating insecurity has raised alarm among residents and prompted calls for stronger action from security agencies.
As the investigation continues, parishioners and the wider Catholic community in Kogi State are demanding justice for the slain priest. They have called on security agencies to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation and to ensure that those responsible for the gruesome murder are arrested and prosecuted. The Kogi State Police Command has assured the public that it is committed to uncovering the circumstances surrounding the murder and bringing the perpetrators to justice. Meanwhile, residents have been urged to remain calm and cooperate with investigators by providing credible information that could assist the investigation. The state government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and has pledged to continue strengthening security across Kogi State in collaboration with all relevant agencies.
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