A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Samuel Oyetoro, has been found dead with multiple machete wounds by the roadside in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, prompting an investigation by the police.
The late priest, who served at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Egbe, was a native of Ayetoro in Ijumu Local Government Area and was born in Egbe, Yagba West LGA of the state.
Confirming the incident on Friday, the spokesperson of the Kogi State Police Command, William Ovye-Aya, said officers received a report on July 29 that the lifeless body of an unidentified man had been discovered along Church Road, Ajaokuta.
“The incident is confirmed. 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,” Ovye-Aya said.
He disclosed that officers who arrived at the scene found the priest with severe machete injuries to the head.
According to the police, the body was evacuated to a hospital where he was confirmed dead before being deposited in the mortuary for an autopsy.
“The deceased was later identified as Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi of St. Paul Parish, Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu LGA, Kogi State,” Ovye-Aya added.
The police said investigations have commenced, while efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest those responsible for the killing.
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government condemned the murder, describing it as a “heinous and unacceptable act.”
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo directed security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident and ensure those behind the crime are brought to justice.
“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 read.
The government also extended condolences to the Catholic Church, the deceased’s family and the Christian community, while urging residents to remain calm and provide useful information to aid the investigation.
