The Reverend Father, Christopher Odia, the Edo Catholic priest who was kidnapped on Sunday, has been assassinated by his kidnappers.
After the cleric was kidnapped by gunmen, the Ikabigbo Community in the Edo State’s Etsako West Local Government Area was plunged into chaos.
Odia was reportedly leaving to attend Sunday Mass at St. Michael Catholic Church in Ikabigbo before he was kidnapped.
The priest was reported to have been murdered by his captors a few hours after the news of his kidnapping broke.
According to a statement obtained by MandyNews.com on Sunday night, the Catholic Diocese of Auchi officially announced the priest’s passing.
The announcement was issued by Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, director of social communications for the Catholic Diocese of Auchi.
- The statement read, “With heavy hearts but complete submission to God’s will, we announce the death of our priest Rev. Fr. Christopher Odia, who was killed by his kidnappers after being abducted this morning, June 26, 2022, at around 6.30am in his rectory while coming out to go to St. Michael Catholic Church Ikabigbo, Uzairue, Edo State.
- “Until his death, Fr Odia was the Administrator of St Michael Catholic Church, Ikabigbo and also the Principal of St. Philip Catholic Secondary School Jattu.
- He was aged 41. May his soul rest in peace.
- “Burial arrangements will be announced by the Diocese later.”
