Seyi Odewale
Bandits in the early hours of yesterday invaded the residence of a Catholic priest, Rev Fr. Isaac Achi, of Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Kafin-Koro, Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger State, and killed him by setting him and his residence ablaze.

The Niger State Police Command Public Relations Officer (PRO) Wasiu Abiodun, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), who disclosed this in a statement yesterday, said, “On 15/01/2023 at about 0300hrs, armed bandits invaded the Parish residence of one Rev. Father Isaac Achi of Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church along Daza road, Kafin-Koro, Paikoro LGA.

“Unfortunately, the bandits reportedly attempted to gain entrance into the residence, but it seemed difficult and set the house ablaze, while the said Rev. Father was burned to death.

“A colleague of the Fr, identified as Father Collins, was equally shot in the shoulder while trying to escape from the scene. The Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, Ogundele Ayodeji has dispatched a reinforcement team to the area and effort is ongoing to apprehend the assailants as an investigation into the unfortunate attack has commenced.”

It said the police tactical teams attached to Kaffin-Koro Division were immediately drafted to the scene, but the hoodlums had escaped before the arrival of the teams.

According to Abiodun, the lifeless body of the late Isaac was recovered while Rev Fr Collins was taken to the hospital for treatment. The state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, condemned the dastardly act in a statement.

*CAN condemns killing

A statement by CAN Chairman media aide, Daniel Atori, yesterday in Minna called for investigations into the attacks and asked that the culprits be brought to book.

“CAN, Niger State strongly condemns the gruesome killing of Very Rev. Fr. Isaac Achi, priest of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Kaffin Koro, in Paikoro local government area of Niger State,’’ it said.

The CAN chairman called on the government at all levels, the police, and other security agencies to double their efforts in tackling banditry and insecurity.

“One of the primary responsibilities of any government is to protect lives and properties of the people, enough of the attacks and wanton killings of innocent Nigeria citizens.

“In the early hours of today (Sunday) the bandits got to the community, shooting sporadically, setting ablaze the Catholic Parish house, killing the parish priest, and injuring his assistant,” he said.

The association also commiserated with the Catholic Diocese of Minna, the parishioners, and the entire Christendom as well as the immediate family of the slayed priest.

Yohanna, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, prayed for the repose of the soul of the late Achi and the souls of all the faithful departed to rest in peace. The late Achi was until his death, the CAN Coordinator of Paikoro local government area, and the Dean and Parish Priest of Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Kaffinkoro in Minna Diocese.

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*Terrorists invade church in Katsina, abduct 25 worshippers

In a similar development, no fewer than 25 worshippers were yesterday kidnapped by terrorists when they attacked a church, the New Life for All Church in Katsina State’s Kankara Local Government Area.

The terrorists, according to eyewitnesses, rode on motorcycles, wielded sophisticated weapons, and stormed the church at Dan-Tsauni Gidan Haruna Community in the early hours of yesterday, while the faithful were worshipping.

Senior Special Assistant to Governor Aminu Masari on Christian Affairs, Ishaya Jurau, confirmed the attack, adding that security personnel are currently on top of the situation and are working to rescue the victims unharmed.

“They abducted our members and left the church pastor with injuries while they were conducting service this morning at around 10am. The security operatives are currently on top of the situation. They are working tirelessly to rescue the victims unhurt. We appreciate the efforts of the security,” he said.