Rev. Fr. Christopher Odia, a kidnapped Catholic priest in Ikhabigbo, Etsako West local government area of Edo State, has been murdered by his kidnappers.
The priest who was abducted on Sunday was killed several hours later that same day.
In a statement announcing Fr. Odia’s death, the Director of Social Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, said: “With heavy hearts but with total submission to God’s will, we announce the death of our priest Rev. Fr. Christopher Odia, who was killed by his abductors after being kidnapped this morning, June 26, 2022, at about 6.30am in his Rectory while coming out to go to Sunday Mass
Fr. Odia served as the administrator of St. Michael Catholic Church in Ikabigbo and the principal of St. Philip Catholic Secondary School in Jattu until his passing. He was forty-one years old. May his soul rest in peace. The Diocese will make announcements about burial plans later.
When contacted, the Edo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Chidi Nwabuzor, confirmed the development but added that he was still awaiting a thorough briefing from the local police.
