The Kogi State Government has condemned the gruesome killing of Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi of St. Paul Parish, Ayetoro Gbede, describing the incident as a heinous and unacceptable act. The Government said Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed security agencies to unravel the masterminds behind the crime and ensure they are brought to justice.
The cleric was stabbed to death in the Ajaokuta area of the North-Central state.
The body was discovered with multiple stab wounds.
In a statement in Lokoja on Friday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the Government expressed profound sadness over the death of the Catholic priest and extended its condolences to the Catholic Church, the Diocese, the family of the deceased and the entire Christian community.
“The murder of Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi is a painful tragedy that has saddened the Government and the people of Kogi State. We condemn this barbaric act in the strongest possible terms and assure the Church and the family of the deceased that the perpetrators will not escape 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 Government urged security agencies to carry out a painstaking, professional and comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing and bring everyone connected with the crime to justice.
“We have absolute confidence in the professionalism and capacity of our security agencies to unravel this unfortunate incident that happened on July 29, 2026. The Government will continue to provide every necessary support to ensure that justice is served and those responsible are held accountable.”
The Government urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by volunteering credible information that could assist the investigation, while cautioning against the spread of rumours or unverified information capable of undermining the investigative process.
The Kogi State Government reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of lives and property and assured the people that it would continue to strengthen security across the state in collaboration with all relevant agencies.
