Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo has condemned the killing of Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi of St. Paul Parish, Ayetoro Gbede, describing the incident as a cruel and unacceptable act that must not go unpunished.
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‎The governor directed security agencies to identify and arrest those responsible for the priest’s death, stressing that everyone connected to the crime must face justice.
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‎In a statement issued on Friday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, Mr Ododo expressed deep sorrow over the incident and sympathised with the Catholic Church, the Diocese, the late priest’s family, and the Christian community.
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‎He described the killing as a tragic loss that has left the government and people of Kogi State in mourning.
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‎”The murder of Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi is a painful tragedy that has deeply saddened the government and people of Kogi State. We strongly condemn this barbaric act and assure the Church and the bereaved family that those behind it will be brought to justice,” the statement quoted the governor as saying.
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‎Mr Ododo further instructed security operatives to carry out a thorough and professional investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, which occurred on July 29, 2026.
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‎He expressed confidence in the ability of the security agencies to uncover those responsible and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting every effort aimed at ensuring justice is served.
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‎The governor also pledged continued government support for the investigation until all those involved in the killing are identified and prosecuted.