The Catholic community in Kogi State has been thrown into mourning following the killing of Rev. Fr. Samuel Oyetoro, a Catholic priest whose lifeless body was discovered along a roadside in Ajaokuta.

The late cleric, who was born in Egbe, Yagba West Local Government Area, and hailed from Ayetoro in Ijumu Local Government Area, was serving as the parish priest of St. Paul’s Parish, Ayetoro Gbede, before his death.

According to available reports, Oyetoro was allegedly attacked with a machete, and his body was later found along Church Road in Ajaokuta.

Confirming the incident on Friday, the spokesperson for the Kogi State Police Command, ASP Oyiza Afusat, said the murder occurred on July 29, 2026.

“The incident is confirmed. On 29th July 2026, at about 9:30 a.m., the police received information that the lifeless body of an unidentified male was found by the roadside along Church Road, Ajaokuta.

“Operatives promptly mobilised to the scene, where it was observed that the deceased had sustained severe machete cuts to the head. The body was evacuated to the ASCL Hospital, where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor, and was thereafter deposited at the mortuary for autopsy,” she said.

Afusat explained that the deceased was subsequently identified as Rev. Fr. Samuel Oyetoro of St. Paul’s Parish, Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area.

She disclosed that investigations have commenced to unravel the circumstances surrounding the killing and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“The case is currently under investigation, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible. Upon the conclusion of preliminary investigation, the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet investigation.

“We will provide further updates as the investigation progresses,” the police spokesperson added.

The tragic killing has sparked grief among Catholic faithful and residents across Kogi State, with many calling for a thorough investigation and swift prosecution of those responsible for the brutal murder of the cleric.