Kogi Government Condemns Killing of Catholic Priest, Orders Full Investigation
The Kogi State Government has condemned the killing of Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi of St. Paul Catholic Parish, Ayetoro Gbede, describing the incident as a brutal and unacceptable act.
In a statement issued on Friday in Lokoja, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said Governor Ahmed Ododo had directed security agencies to immediately launch a thorough investigation into the murder.
According to Fanwo, the governor has ordered all relevant security agencies to identify those responsible for the crime and ensure they are brought to justice.
“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 terms and assure the Church and the family of the deceased that those behind it will not escape justice,” he said.
The priest was reportedly killed on Wednesday, July 29.
Fanwo expressed condolences to the Catholic Church, the Diocese, the late priest’s family, and the entire Christian community in the state.
He said the governor had instructed security agencies to carry out a comprehensive and professional investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the killing and identify everyone involved.
The commissioner expressed confidence in the ability of security agencies to solve the case and assured residents that the state government would provide all necessary support to ensure justice is served.
He also appealed to members of the public to remain calm and assist investigators by providing useful information, while warning against spreading rumours or unverified reports that could interfere with the investigation.
Fanwo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property, adding that it would continue to strengthen security across Kogi State in collaboration with relevant agencies.
