A Catholic priest has been shot dead in Edo State, south-south Nigeria.
In a communication addressed to the priests and members of the archdiocese, Archbishop Augustine Akubeze of Benin City confirmed the incident on Thursday. He verified that Charles Igechi, the victim, was shot on Wednesday while returning to his place of assignment at St. Michael College, Ikhueniro, Edo. Father Igechi was serving as the vice principal of the college.
Archbishop Akubeze reported that the priest’s body was discovered on Boundary Street in Ikpoba Hill, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State. The incident has been reported to the appropriate security agency, and efforts are underway to bring the perpetrators to justice.
In his notice, the archbishop urged prayers for the repose of the slain priest’s soul and entrusted everyone to the maternal intercession of Our Lady of Sorrow. He expressed his hope that God would continue to guide the faithful in the Archdiocese of Benin City, while the soul of Rev. Fr. Charles Igechi finds peace in the embrace of our risen savior.
At the time of this report, PREMIUM TIMES had not been able to contact the police for their comments on the incident.
Rev. Fr. Charles Igechi was ordained as a priest on August 13th of last year.
According to a report, 39 Catholic priests were killed, and 30 were abducted across Nigeria in 2022.
The killing and abduction of Catholic priests are part of the broader security challenges in Nigeria, which have resulted in the loss and kidnapping of numerous individuals over the past year.
The newly appointed Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, held his first security council meeting this week. During the meeting, he called on security chiefs to collaborate, share information, and develop a new framework to address the security challenges.
