A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Samuel Oyetoro, has been killed in Ajaokuta, Kogi State.

Oyetoro, who was born in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State and hailed from Ayetoro in Ijumu Local Government Area, was, until his death, serving at St. Paul’s Parish, Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu LGA.

According to available information, the priest was reportedly attacked with a machete, and his body was later found by the roadside in Ajaokuta.

Confirming the incident on Friday, the Kogi State Police Command said the killing occurred on July 29, 2026.

The command’s spokesperson, ASP Oyiza Afusat, said, “The incident is confirmed. On 29th July 2026, at about 9:30 a.m., the police received information that the lifeless body of an unidentified male was found by the roadside along Church Road, Ajaokuta.

“Operatives promptly mobilised to the scene, where it was observed that the deceased had sustained severe machete cuts to the head. The body was evacuated to the ASCL Hospital, where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor, and was thereafter deposited at the mortuary for autopsy.

“The deceased was later identified as Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi of St. Paul Parish, Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu LGA, Kogi State.

“The case is currently under investigation, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible. Upon the conclusion of preliminary investigation, the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet investigation.

“We will provide further updates as the investigation progresses.”

The killing has thrown the Catholic community and many residents of Kogi State into mourning.