Suspected terrorists have invaded St. Peters and Paul Catholic Church, Kafin-Koro, in Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger State, killing a Catholic priest, Isaac Achi, in his residence in the early hours of Sunday.
The terrorists reportedly set the clergyman’s residence ablaze after failing to forcefully gain access into the main building.
It was gathered that another priest, identified as Father Collins, also sustained gunshot wounds while trying to escape from the scene of the incident.
Confirming the incident in a statement, the police public relations officer in the state, Wasiu Abiodun, said the attack happened around 3 a.m. on Sunday.
He said: “On 15/01/2023 at about 0300 hrs, 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.
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“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 burned dead.
“A colleague of the Rev. Father, identified as Father Collins, was equally shot in the shoulder while trying to escape from the scene.”
The spokesperson added the terrorists escaped before the arrival of the police tactical team of the Kafin-Koro division.
“Police tactical teams attached to Kafin-Koro Division 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,” he said.
He said the commissioner of police, Ogundele Ayodeji had dispatched a reinforcement team to the area.
While assuring that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the assailants, Mr Abiodun said the command has also launched investigations into the unfortunate incident.
