Catholic Priest Found Dead in Kogi with Machete Wounds

Rev. Fr.

Samuel Opeyemi, a cleric from St. Paul Parish in Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area, Kogi State, was discovered dead on Friday morning with severe machete wounds.

Residents found his body along Church Road in Ajaokuta, and a source from the Catholic Church indicated he had sustained multiple cuts. The Kogi State Police Command received a report on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at approximately 9:30 p.m. regarding an unidentified man's body found by the roadside.

Police spokesperson ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat confirmed that the deceased had severe machete cuts to the head. Following the discovery, the body was taken to ASCL Hospital, where he was pronounced dead and subsequently moved to the mortuary for autopsy.

The police are currently investigating the case and working to identify the assailants responsible for the killing, which has caused mourning within the local Catholic community.