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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr Isaac Achi, has been killed by bandits who invaded his residence in the early hours of Sunday, January, January 15, 2023.
Achi was burnt to death at his residence at about 3am on Sunday
It was learnt that the attackers decided to burn down the building in which the priest was after failing to gain access to him as a result of fortified security.
Until his death, Achi was attached to St. Peters and Paul Catholic Church, Kafin-Koro, Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger State.
Confirming the tragic incident in a statement, Niger State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, said another priest was shot during the attack.
“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 it seems difficult and set the house ablaze, while the said Rev. Father was burnt to death.
“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 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 investigation into the unfortunate attack has commenced,” the statement read.
