A Catholic Priest, Rev. Father Christopher Odia, has reportedly been found dead after he was abducted at Ikabigbo, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State by suspected herdsmen.
It was gathered that the priest was preparing to leave for Mass when the gunmen stormed his residence, kidnapped him and escaped into the bush.
A Mass server and a member of the local vigilante were said to have been shot dead during the attack, while another vigilante member sustained serious injuries.
Announcing the development on Sunday night, the Director of Social Communications Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, said the deceased was an administrator and the pricipal of Philip Catholic Secondary School before his demise.
“With heavy hearts but with total submission to the will of God, we announce the death of our priest, Rev. Fr. Christopher Odia, who was killed by his abductors after being kidnapped this morning 26th June 2022 at about 6.30 am in his rectory while coming out to go for Sunday Mass at St. Michael’s Catholic Church Ikabigbo, Uzairue, Edo State.
“Until his death, Fr Odia was the Administrator of St Michael Catholic Church, Ikabigbo, and principal of St. Philip Catholic Secondary School, Jattu. He was aged 41. May his soul rest in peace”, the statement said.
