Armed assailants have killed Rev. Fr. Christopher Odia after being abducted at his residence in Ikabigbo community, Etsako West LGA Edo State, on Sunday morning.
His murder comes less than 24 hours after Rev Fr. Vitus Borogo, another priest, was murdered on his farm in Kaduna, North West Nigeria.
The assailants had invaded Odia’s residence while he was preparing for mass on Sunday morning.
Father Peter Egielewa, Director of Social Communications Catholic Diocese of Auchi confirmed the incident.
“With heavy hearts but with total submission to the will of God, we announce the death of our priest Rev. Fr. Christopher Odia, who was killed by his abductors after being kidnapped this morning 26th June 2022 at about 6:30am in his rectory while coming out to go for Sunday Mass at St. Michael Catholic Church Ikabigbo, Uzairue, Edo State,” he said.
Until his death, 41-year-old Fr Odia was Administrator of St. Michael Catholic Church, Ikabigbo. He was also the Principal of St. Philip Catholic Secondary School Jattu.
The Catholic priest was killed alongside a hunter, Nurudeen Umosor. While the corpse of the priest was found by hunters, Nurudeen fell to the kidnappers’ bullets during the mission.
