A Catholic priest identifies as Rev. Father Isaac Achi, has been gruesomely murdered by bandits after invading his residence in the wee hour of today Sunday morning in Paiko Local Government in Niger state. Vigil360 learned that when the bandits invaded the priest's residence, they couldn’t gain access to him because of the security measures he put on his house, consequently, the terrorist out of anger set his house ablaze while he was still in, destroying everything in the house.
Until his death, the clergy was attached to St. Peters and Paul Catholic Church, Kafin-Koro, in Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger state.
This has attracted wide condemnation from all, especially the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Niger state branch.
Confirming the incident, the police spokesperson of Niger state Police Command, DSP Wasiu Abiodun disclosed that another priest was shot during the incident and sustains a major injury.
In a statement, DSP Abiodun said, “On 15/01/2023 at about 0300hrs, 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.
“Unfortunately, the bandit reportedly attempted to gain entrance into the residence, but seems difficult and set the house ablaze, while the said Rev. Father was burnt dead.
He added, “A colleague of the Rev. Father identified as Father Collins was equally shot in the shoulder while trying to escape from the scene. Police tactical teams attached to Kafin-Koro Div were immediately drafted to the scene, but the hoodlums had escaped before the arrival of the teams.
Unfortunately, “The lifeless body of Father Isaac was recovered while Father Collins was rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Meanwhile, “The Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command CP Ogundele Ayodeji had dispatched a reinforcement team to the area and effort is ongoing to apprehend the assailants as an investigation into the unfortunate attack has commenced,” the statement concludes.