Catholic Priest Found Murdered with Machete Wounds in Kogi as Police Launch Investigation

The gruesome killing of a Catholic priest has sent shockwaves across Kogi State, leaving worshippers and residents devastated. As police intensify investigations into the mysterious attack, the tragic death has raised fresh concerns over the safety of religious leaders in Nigeria.

The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the killing of Catholic priest Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi, whose body was found with multiple machete wounds along Church Road in Ajaokuta on July 30, 2026. Police say investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest those responsible for the murder.

Catholic Priest Found Murdered with Machete Wounds in Kogi as Police Launch Investigation
The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the killing of a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi, whose lifeless body was discovered along a roadside in Ajaokuta, Kogi State.

According to reports, the cleric’s body was found on Thursday morning, July 30, 2026, bearing multiple machete wounds. The brutal attack has thrown the Catholic community and residents of the area into mourning.

A church source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the priest appeared to have been attacked several times with machetes.

“We noticed multiple cuts on his body. The circumstances surrounding his killing, including the identity of his attackers, are yet to be established,” the source said.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Kogi State Police Command, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, said the command received a distress report at about 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2026, that the body of an unidentified man had been found by the roadside along Church Road in Ajaokuta.

According to the police spokesperson, officers immediately responded to the scene.

“Operatives promptly mobilised to the scene, where it was observed that the deceased had sustained severe machete cuts to the head,” ASP Afusat stated.

She further disclosed that the body was evacuated to ASCL Hospital, where a medical doctor confirmed the victim dead before the remains were deposited at the mortuary for an autopsy.

The police later identified the deceased as Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi of St. Paul Parish, Ayetoro Gbede, in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

“The case is currently under investigation, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the killing,” the police spokesperson added.

She assured the public that the command would provide further updates as investigations progress.

The tragic incident has sparked grief among parishioners and residents, who are calling for a thorough investigation and swift justice for the slain priest.