The Catholic Archbishop of Benin Diocese has expressed grief over the killing of a Reverend Father, identified as Charles Igechi.
The priest was reportedly shot dead by gunmen in Benin City, Edo State.
The incident happened on Wednesday along Agbor Road at Bypass area in Ikhueniro axis of Benin City, on his way to his place of assignment.
Archbishop Augustine Akubeze said the matter has been reported to the police and expressed hope that justice would be served on the perpetrators of the dastardly act.
Archbishop Akubeze, in a condolence statement, said the priest, who was ordained in August last year, was shot on his back on his way to his place of assignment and his remains were found by Boundary Street in Ikpoba Hill, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area.
“With deep sadness and sorrow in our hearts, we wish to inform you of the death of one of our priests in the Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Charles Igechi, who was ordained on August 13, 2022, and who until his death was the Vice Principal of St. Micheal’s College, Ikhueniro.
“With great shock we received the news this morning that he was shot on his way back to his place of assignment, on June 7, 2023, and his remains were found by Boundary Street in Ikpoba Hill, Ikpoba Okha council.
“We, therefore, wish to solicit your prayers for the happy repose of his soul. I kindly wish to use this medium to inform all priests that there shall be a Mass for the peaceful repose of Rev. Fr. Igechi on June 9, 2023, at the Bishop Kelly Pastoral Centre’s Chapel by 10 am.
“It is true, he was killed. Nobody was with him when he was killed by gunmen, you would see how bullets entered his body. His body was found in bypass,” he added.
The Edo State Police Command spokesperson, Chidi Nwanbuzor, could not be reached at the time of filing this report.