TRAGIC: Catholic Priest Stabbed Multiple Times to Death in Ajaokuta, Body Dumped at Roadside
A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi Oyetoro, was found dead along Church Road in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, after sustaining severe machete wounds to the head. His body was discovered by the roadside, prompting an ongoing police investigation into the killing.
The Catholic Diocese of Lokoja announced the death in an official statement from its Chancery Office dated July 29, 2026. “It is with profound sorrow and in the hope of the resurrection that the Catholic Diocese of Lokoja announces the passing of our beloved priest, Fr. Samuel Opeyemi Oyetoro, who departed this life on Wednesday, 29th July 2026,” the diocese said. It described him as a dedicated servant of God and called on the faithful to pray for the repose of his soul and for strength for his family and parishioners.
Police received a report on July 29 that the body of an unidentified man had been found by the roadside. Operatives who responded observed that the deceased had sustained severe machete cuts to the head. The body was taken to ASCL Hospital, where a doctor confirmed him dead, and was later deposited in the mortuary for autopsy. He was subsequently identified as Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi of St. Paul Parish, Ayetoro Gbede, in Ijumu Local Government Area.
A source in the Catholic Church in Ajaokuta said, “His assailants must have attacked him several times with machetes. We noticed multiple cuts on his body. The circumstances surrounding his killing, including the identity of his attackers, are yet to be established.”
Rev. Fr. Oyetoro was born in Egbe, Yagba land, and was a native of Ayetoro in Ijumu Local Government Area. He had links to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Egbe. His death has plunged the Catholic community and residents of the area into mourning.
The Kogi State Police Command said the case is under investigation, with efforts ongoing to apprehend those responsible. It will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further discreet inquiry once preliminary work is complete.
The Kogi State Government has condemned the killing as a heinous and unacceptable act, expressing confidence in security agencies and pledging full support to ensure justice is served.
