Gunmen kill kidnapped Catholic priest in Edo 


A Catholic Priest, Rev. Father Christopher Odia who was  kidnapped by suspected herdsmen in the early hours on Sunday have been reportedly shot dead.

The cleric, 41, was said to have been taken hostage at about 6.30am  while coming out from his residence to go for Sunday Mass at St. Michael Catholic Church, Ikabigbo, Uzairue, Edo State.

Following the kidnap, the community youths, security operatives and vigilante combed the bush in a bid to rescue the priest.

Blueprint gathered that a member of the search team identified as Nurudeen Umosor was shot dead by the gunmen, while two other youths sustained injuries.

It was also learnt that two members of the hoodlums were apprehended.

Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Auchi has confirmed the kidnap and death of Rev. Father Odia.

In a statement, spokesman for the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa said: “until his death, Fr Odia was the Administrator of St Michael Catholic Church, Ikabigbo and also the Principal of St. Philip Catholic Secondary School Jattu”.

The Edo State Police command spokesman,  SP.  Chidi Nwanbor could not be reached for comment.