By Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Christopher Odia, who was kidnapped at the wee hours of Sunday June 26, 2023, has been found dead.
This was disclosed in a terse statement by Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, Director of Social Communications, Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Edo State.
The statement, issued late Sunday, added that burial plans were under way for the deceased priest.
“With heavy hearts but with total submission to the will of God, we announce the death of our priest, Rev. Fr. Christopher Odia, who was killed by his abductors after being kidnapped this morning 26th June 2022 at about 6.30a.m in his rectory while coming out to go for Sunday Mass at St. Michael Catholic Church Ikabigbo, Uzairue, Edo State.
“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.
“He was aged 41. May his soul rest in peace.
“Burial arrangements will be announced by the Diocese later,” the statement read in part.
There’s been a spate of abduction and killing of Christian clerics, especially Catholic priests across Nigeria almost on a weekly basis in recent times.
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