Emmanuel Ikpeama
The Kogi State Government has strongly condemned the killing of Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi of St. Paul Parish, Ayetoro Gbede, describing the incident as a tragic and barbaric act that has shocked the state.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed security agencies to immediately launch a comprehensive investigation into the murder, with a mandate to identify, arrest and prosecute all those responsible for the crime.
In a statement issued on Friday in Lokoja by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the government expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Catholic priest and extended heartfelt condolences to the Catholic Church, the Diocese, the family of the late cleric and the entire Christian community.
The statement described the killing as a painful loss, stressing that the government would not allow the perpetrators to escape justice. It assured residents that every available resource would be deployed to ensure those behind the heinous act are apprehended and made to face the full weight of the law.
The government also urged security agencies to carry out a thorough, professional and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, which occurred on July 29, 2026.
It expressed confidence in the ability of the security agencies to uncover the truth and deliver justice.
While calling on residents to remain calm, the state government appealed to members of the public to cooperate with investigators by providing credible information that could aid the investigation.
It also warned against spreading rumours or unverified reports capable of hindering the investigative process, while reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across Kogi State.
