Lokoja, Kogi State — Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has directed security agencies to launch a comprehensive investigation into the killing of Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi, a Catholic priest of St. Paul Parish, Ayetoro Gbede, with a mandate to ensure those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.
Rev. Fr. Opeyemi was reportedly hacked to death by yet-to-be-identified assailants, who later dumped his body along a roadside in Ajaokuta Local Government Area of the state.
The governor’s directive was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, who described the murder as a “heinous and unacceptable” act.
According to the statement, Governor Ododo has instructed all security agencies to leave no stone unturned in identifying and apprehending everyone connected to the crime.
“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 state government expressed profound sorrow over the priest’s death and extended its condolences to the Catholic Church, the diocese, the bereaved family, and the Christian community.
Condemning the killing in the strongest terms, the government assured residents that the perpetrators would not evade justice.
“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,” the statement added.
The government further urged security agencies to carry out a professional and thorough investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the killing and bring all those involved to justice.
It also expressed confidence in the ability of security operatives to uncover the perpetrators and ensure justice is served.
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