Kogi Government Condemns Murder of Catholic Priest

The Kogi state government has condemned the killing of Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi, a priest at St. Paul Parish in Ayetoro Gbede, describing the act as "heinous and unacceptable." Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has instructed security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice. In a statement issued in Lokoja by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the government expressed deep sadness over the priest's death and extended condolences to the Catholic Church, the Diocese, the deceased's family, and the Christian community.

The government emphasized the need for a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the murder, which occurred on July 29, 2026. They expressed confidence in the security agencies' ability to resolve the case and urged residents to cooperate by providing credible information while avoiding the spread of rumors that could hinder the investigation.