In the early hours of Sunday in Niger State’s Paikoro Local Government, terrorists set a Catholic priest named Isaac Achi ablaze.
It was reported that the assailants set fire to the well-protected structure where the priest was residing after they were unable to enter it.
Achi was a member of the St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Kafin-Koro, Niger’s Paikoro Local Government Area, until his death.
Another priest was shot during the attack, according to Wasiu Abiodun, the state’s police spokesperson, who confirmed the occurrence.
“On 15/01/2023 at about 0300hrs, armed bandits invaded the Parish residence of one Rev. Father Isaac Achi of St. Peters and Paul Catholic Church, along Daza road, Kafin-Koro, Paikoro LGA,” Mr Abiodun wrote in a statement.
“Unfortunately, the bandits reportedly attempted to gain entrance into the residence, but seems difficult and set the house ablaze, while the said Rev. Father was burnt to death.
“A colleague of the Rev. Father identified as Father Collins was equally shot in the shoulder while trying to escape from the scene. Police tactical teams attached to Kafin-Koro Div were immediately drafted to the scene, but the hoodlums had escaped before the arrival of the teams.
“The lifeless body of Father Isaac was recovered while Father Collins was rushed to the hospital for treatment.
“The Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command CP Ogundele Ayodeji had dispatched a reinforcement team to the area and effort is ongoing to apprehend the assailants as an investigation into the unfortunate attack has commenced.”
The priest’s murder has been condemned by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State. Bulu Yohanna, the state’s CAN chairman, urged the Nigerian government and security forces to put an end to the recent wave of killings across the nation in a statement.
He demanded an investigation into the attack on the priests and added that those responsible needed to be held accountable.
“Enough of the attacks and wanton killings of innocent Nigerian citizens. One of the primary responsibilities of government is to protect the lives and property of the people you govern,” he said.
Yohanna also expressed his condolences to the Minna Catholic Diocese, the congregation, and the family of the murdered priest. He offers a prayer for Achi’s soul to find peace.