Abducted Edo Catholic Priest killed by kidnappers

By our reporter| The abducted Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Christopher Odia has been killed by his abductors.

Rev. Father Odia was abducted on Sunday morning at his rectory in Ikabigbo community in Etsako West local government of Edo State, while coming out to go for Sunday Mass at St. Michael Catholic Church, Ikabigbo, Uzaiue, Edo state.

The Director of Social Communications, Catholic Diocese of Auchi, who confirmed the development, said the diocese will announce the burial arrangement for the slain cleric subsequently.

Following the abduction of the priest on Sunday, the community vigilante group combed the bush to rescue him.

The gunmen reportedly shot one of the community’s vigilante boys searching for the reverend’s father.

The victim was rushed to a hospital at Auchi but referred to Irrua specialist hospital for treatment.

The traditional ruler of the community, Bramah Alegeh, who also confirmed the incident, said the police and the army in collaboration with local vigilantes were combing the bush to ensure his release.

Until his abduction and killing, Rev. 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.