The killing of a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Samuel Oyetoro, in Ajaokuta Local Government Area of Kogi State has sparked outrage among members of the Catholic community, with parishioners calling on security agencies to ensure those behind the attack are arrested and prosecuted.
According to ARISE News, Oyetoro, who was serving at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Ajaokuta, was found dead by the roadside with multiple stab wounds allegedly inflicted by unidentified assailants.
The tragic development has thrown the parish into mourning, with church members describing the attack as heartbreaking and demanding justice for the late cleric.
Church sources disclosed that Oyetoro was serving as a visiting priest after previously ministering at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Egbe.
He had also celebrated Mass earlier on the day of the incident while standing in for the parish priest, Rev. Fr. Clement Wesaku, who was away on a two-week leave.
Reacting to the incident, Chairman of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, Louis Izugwu, described the killing as devastating.
“Those responsible must be brought to justice,” Izugwu said.
Another parishioner, Fowoyo John, also expressed shock over the incident, recalling the priest’s final moments with worshippers and urging security agencies to ensure those responsible do not escape justice.
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.
Parishioners demand justice after Kogi Catholic cleric found stabbed to death