A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Samuel Oyetoro, has been reportedly killed by unknown persons in Ajaokuta, Kogi State.

Oyetoro, who was born in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State and hailed from Ayetoro in Ijumu Local Government Area, was, until his death, serving at St. Paul’s Parish, Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu LGA.

According to available information, the priest was reportedly attacked with a machete, and his body was later found by the roadside in Ajaokuta.

Confirming the incident on Friday, the Kogi State Police Command said the killing occurred on July 29, 2026.

The command’s spokesperson, ASP Oyiza Afusat, confirmed the incident. 

“On 29th July 2026, at about 9:30 a.m., the police received information that the lifeless body of an unidentified male was found by the roadside along Church Road, Ajaokuta.

“Operatives promptly mobilised to the scene, where it was observed that the deceased had sustained severe machete cuts to the head. The body was evacuated to the ASCL Hospital, where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor, and was thereafter deposited at the mortuary for autopsy.

“The deceased was later identified as Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi of St. Paul Parish, Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu LGA, Kogi State.

“The case is currently under investigation, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible. Upon the conclusion of preliminary investigation, the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet investigation.

“We will provide further updates as the investigation progresses,” the Police spokesman stated.

The killing has thrown the Catholic community and many residents of Kogi State into mourning.

*Kogi governor orders probe

Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation into the killing of Rev. Fr Samuel Opeyemi, a Catholic priest of St Paul Parish, Ayetoro Gbede, and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

Rev. Fr Opeyemi was reportedly hacked to death by yet-to-be-identified attackers, who later abandoned his body by the roadside in Ajaokuta Local Government Area of the state.

The directive was announced in a statement issued on Friday by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, who described the killing as a heinous and unacceptable act.

According to the statement, the governor has instructed all security agencies to leave no stone unturned 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 said.

The state government expressed deep sadness over the death of the priest and extended its condolences to the Catholic Church, the diocese, the family of the deceased and the Christian community.

The government assured residents that those responsible would not escape 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 possible terms and assure the Church and the family of the deceased that the perpetrators will not escape justice,” the statement disclosed.

The government also called on security agencies to carry out a professional and comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing and prosecute everyone involved.