Police Confirm Killing Of Catholic Priest In Kogi, Launch Manhunt For Killers

The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the killing of Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi Oyetoro, a Catholic priest, whose body was discovered along Church Road in Ajaokuta Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s spokesperson, ASP Afusat Oyiza Salihu, who confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Friday in Lokoja, said the priest was found dead with severe machete cuts to the head.

Rev. Fr. Oyetoro, who was born in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area and hailed from Ayetoro in Ijumu Local Government Area, was until his death serving as a priest.

He was also reported to have been on an assignment to relieve another clergy member who was on leave in Ajaokuta.

According to the police, the incident was reported on July 29, 2026, at about 9:30 a.m., when officers received information that the lifeless body of an unidentified male had been found by the roadside along Church Road, Ajaokuta.

“The Police promptly mobilised to the scene, where it was observed that the deceased had sustained severe machete cuts to the head,” the statement said.

The body was evacuated to ASCL Hospital, where a medical doctor confirmed him dead before it was deposited at the mortuary for autopsy.

Police said the deceased was later identified as Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi of St. Paul Parish, Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area.

Earlier reports indicated that the priest was allegedly attacked and killed by yet-to-be-identified assailants before his body was dumped by the roadside.

However, the circumstances surrounding the attack remain unclear.

ASP Salihu said investigations were ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding the killing and apprehend those responsible.

She disclosed that upon the conclusion of the preliminary investigation, the case would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet investigation.

“The case is currently under investigation, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses,” she said.

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