The Kogi State Government has condemned the killing of Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi of St. Paul Parish, Ayetoro Gbede, calling it a heinous and unacceptable act, and says Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has ordered security agencies to track down those responsible.
In a statement issued in Lokoja on Friday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said the government was saddened by the priest’s death and offered condolences to the Catholic Church, the Diocese, the deceased’s family, and the wider Christian community.
“The murder of Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi is a painful tragedy that has saddened the Government and the people of Kogi State,” Fanwo said. “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.”
According to the statement, Governor Ododo has directed all security agencies to launch a full investigation into the killing, identify everyone connected to it, and ensure they face prosecution.
The government called on security operatives to conduct a painstaking and professional investigation to establish the circumstances of the priest’s death and bring all those involved to book.
“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 statement read. “The Government will continue to provide every necessary support to ensure that justice is served and those responsible are held accountable.”
Fanwo urged residents of the state to remain calm and to cooperate with security agencies by volunteering any credible information that could aid the investigation. He cautioned against the spread of rumours or unverified reports that could compromise the process.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property in Kogi State, and pledged to continue strengthening security across the state in collaboration with relevant agencies.
