The Kogi State Government has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the brutal killing of Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi, a Catholic priest whose body was discovered with multiple machete wounds along Church Road in Ajaokuta Local Government Area on 29 July. The priest served at St. Paul's Parish, Ayetoro Gbede, in Ijumu Local Government Area.
The directive was issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, in a statement on Friday. Fanwo said Governor Ahmed Ododo described the murder as “heinous and unacceptable” and reassured the Catholic Church and the bereaved family that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.
Government Condemns the Killing
“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,” Fanwo said.
He added that the governor had 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 also extended condolences to the Catholic Church, the Diocese, the priest’s family and the entire Christian community.
Police Discovery and Investigation
According to the Kogi State Police Command, officers responded to a distress report and found the body lying by the roadside. The victim had sustained multiple machete wounds to the head. He was rushed to a hospital, where he was confirmed dead, and his remains were deposited in a mortuary for autopsy.
Police spokesperson William Ovye-Aya confirmed that the deceased was identified as Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi of St. Paul’s Parish, Ayetoro Gbede. He stated that detectives have commenced investigations and intensified efforts to apprehend those responsible for the killing.
Government Seeks Public Cooperation
Fanwo expressed confidence in the capacity of security agencies to unravel the incident. He said, “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 commissioner appealed to residents to remain calm, cooperate with investigators by providing credible information, and avoid spreading rumours capable of undermining the investigation.
Spate of Attacks in Kogi State
The killing has heightened security concerns in Kogi State, which has witnessed a series of violent incidents in recent weeks. Premium Times reported that a school principal, a NECO official, and students at an examination centre in Dekina Local Government Area were abducted. They were all rescued during a joint operation involving the Nigerian Army, the police, the State Security Services (SSS) and local vigilantes.
In a separate incident earlier in July, suspected kidnappers ambushed a funeral convoy along the Ochadamu-Ejule Road in Ofu Local Government Area. Nine mourners were abducted, including two officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), who were transporting the remains of a deceased colleague to Benue State for burial.
The Kogi State Government has recently intensified military and intelligence-led operations against criminal groups. Authorities say these measures have led to the rescue of kidnapping victims, the interception of illegal arms, and the recovery of rustled livestock. They have vowed to continue dismantling criminal networks operating in the state.
As the investigation progresses, the government has urged the public to support security agencies by providing any information that could help bring the killers of Fr. Opeyemi to justice.
