The Catholic priest of St. Peters and Paul Catholic Church in Kafin-Koro, Paikoro LGA of Niger state, Rev. Fr. Isaac Achi, have been killed by bandits.
Achi was burnt to death at his residence at about 3am on Sunday.
Spokesman of the Niger state police command, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday in Minna.
He said the bandits razed the building after failing to gain entrance into the priest’s residence.
Abiodun said another priest was also shot while trying to escape from the attackers.
The statement 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 bandits reportedly attempted to gain entrance into the residence, but seems difficult and set the house ablaze, while the said Rev. Father was burnt dead.
“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 Division were immediately drafted to the scene, but the hoodlums had escaped before the arrival of the teams.
“The lifeless body of Father Isaac was recovered while Father Collins was rushed to the hospital for treatment.”
The Niger state police, Ogundele Ayodeji, has dispatched a reinforcement team to the area.
The police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the bandits.
