The killing of a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Samuel Oyetoro, in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, has sparked outrage among parishioners, who are demanding the swift arrest and prosecution of those responsible for his death.
The priest, 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 gruesome killing has thrown the Catholic community into mourning, with worshippers describing the attack as barbaric and calling on security agencies to ensure justice is served.
An atmosphere of grief enveloped St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church as parishioners struggled to come to terms with the loss of the cleric, who was serving as a visiting priest after previously ministering at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Egbe.
According to members of the church, Rev. Fr. Oyetoro had celebrated Mass 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.
Chairman of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, Louis Izugwu, described the priest’s death as devastating and called for those responsible to be brought to justice.
Church member Fowoyo John also expressed shock over the killing, recalling the priest’s final moments with parishioners and urging security agencies to ensure the perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.
The Kogi State Police Command confirmed that it has launched an investigation into the incident and assured residents that efforts were underway to identify and apprehend those behind the killing.
Police Public Relations Officer of the command, ASP Afusat Salihu, said the command was committed to uncovering the circumstances surrounding the murder and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
As mourning continues within the Catholic community and the wider Ajaokuta area, parishioners say they expect security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure those responsible for the gruesome murder of Rev. Fr. Samuel Oyetoro are prosecuted.
Boluwatife Enome